Police present N18.5m to 25 families of deceased officers in Gombe
….decorates 19 senior officers
By Chima Azubuike
The Gombe State Police Commissioner, Oqua Etim, has presented N18.5m to families of deceased officers who died in active service.
Our correspondent reports that the presentation of cheques was under Inspector General Usman Baba’s Family Welfare Scheme and Group Life Assurance to cushion the challenges of losing their benefactors.
Usman Mohammed’s family received N2.5m cheque from the 18.5m, as the rest of the families received unannounced amounts.
Speaking during the presentation Etim, said no fewer than 25 families would benefit from the N18.5 million, adding that the Police would not forget the contributions of their loved ones, who were slain while on duty.
He advised them to utilise the money in useful ventures, that would provide needed prosperity.
“18.5m cheques will be disbursed to them. Things like this make us know that we will not be forgotten. It is a practice that says we remember our brothers and families. It a time families of deceased will know that their benefactors belonged to a caring organisation.
“Take it as act of God, if God did not destiny it, it wouldn’t have happened,” Etim said.
Similarly, no fewer than 19 personnel of the police have been promoted to the senior staff cadre.
Seven officers were promoted from Superintendent of Police to Chief Superintendent of Police, 10 Assistant Superintendent of Police to Deputy Superintendent of Police, one Chief Superintendent of Police to Assistant Commissioner of Police and one Assistant Commissioner of Police to Deputy Commissioner of Police.
The Commissioner of Police urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by being professional in their dealings with the public, adding that the same way they were promoted, they could be reprimanded if found to have abuse their office.
Etim said, “To whom much is given very much is expected. I want to admonish all of to reflect this promotion on your family, as well as your approach to work should improve.
“The Police Force frowns at incivility to members of the public. There is no police boy or girl we are all police officers. We have laid down procedures on how to treat suspects.”
