The Delta State Police Command concluded National Police Week 2026 with a ceremony in Asaba, presenting cheques totalling ₦16.7 million to the families of 13 officers killed in the line of duty. Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi called the event "solemn and significant," stressing that the funds aim to cushion the loss for bereaved households. "This reflects the leadership's promise to stand by the families of our fallen heroes," Oyeniyi said, adding that their sacrifices "are invaluable and will never be forgotten." Beneficiary representative Ahanuwa Raphael thanked the Inspector-General of Police and the command, saying the support "will go a long way in assisting our families." Command spokesperson SP Bright Edafe noted the presentation underscores ongoing efforts to honour police sacrifices during the week's nationwide activities ahead of the Abuja finale.
When Ahanuwa Raphael says the ₦16.7 million cheque "will go a long way," he is not thanking the police — he is exposing how little the state values the lives it asks officers to risk. The same command that hands out million-naira tokens to 13 families lost at least that many officers to preventable violence, yet offers no public plan to stop the next 13. The money is charity, not justice; a bandage on a wound the state keeps reopening.
