Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno State, has donated ₦150 million to the families of three military officers killed in recent terrorist attacks. Each family received a cheque for ₦50 million during condolence visits by the governor. The officers honoured were Lieutenant Colonel Umar Farouq, Lieutenant Colonel Salihu Iliyasu, and Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko. Zulum visited the family of Lt. Col. Iliyasu in Abuja on Wednesday, where he met with the officer's wives, Na'ima and Rakiya, and expressed sympathy on behalf of Borno State. "On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Late Iliyasu was a dedicated and committed servant of the nation whose contributions will not be forgotten," Zulum said. He later travelled to Niger and Kano States to present cheques to the families of the two other fallen officers. The governor praised their gallantry and patriotism in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations. Zulum also announced plans to visit more families of officers killed or missing in action. He prayed for the souls of the deceased and for strength for their loved ones.
Governor Zulum is the only state governor consistently putting personal and institutional weight behind military families shattered by insurgency. While other states remain silent, his visits and direct payments spotlight a leadership style rooted in visibility and emotional accountability. This level of engagement doesn't reverse loss, but it does shift public expectation—Nigerians now see that leaders can, and do, show up beyond speeches. For the families of fallen officers in Borno, it means their grief is not invisible.
