Borno Governor, Zulum, donates house, N20m to fallen Col. Bako’s widow, orphans

Borno Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday announced a donation of a befitting house and 20 million Naira to the widow and orphans left behind by late Col. Dahiru Chiroma Bako who died from wounds sustained while battling boko haram. Insurgents ambushed the Commander’s troop on Sunday morning.

Col. Bako, described by Zulum as a fallen warrior, was Commander of 25 Task Force Brigade of Operation Lafiya Dole in charge of Damboa and surrounding axis in southern Borno. He died at a military hospital in Maiduguri on Monday.

Zulum, at the burial of the late Commander in Maiduguri on Tuesday, paid glowing tribute and announced house and cash donation to the family of the deceased.

“Indeed it is a very sad moment, this is not a loss to the family of Late Col. Dahiru Chiroma Bako alone, not to the Nigerian Military, it is a loss to Borno and indeed Nigeria.

“Col. Bako was a gallant and dodged military officer, under whose watch Damboa was never defeated. He was humble and committed in discharging his duties, he is part of the success recorded in degrading boko haram insurgency in Borno State.”

Zulum eulogized Col. Bako as “one of the greatest in trying to stabilize not only Borno but even the neighbouring Yobe State,” stressing that he will be remembered for his contributions forever.

The Governor also prayed for Bako’s family and for the soldiers and officers that lost their lives as well as for those that are injured.

“I am reliably informed that Col. Bako did not have a house of his own. We cannot ignore the family he left behind. We share their grief and nothing can equal his life. Nevertheless, I am pleased to announce that Borno State Government will build a befitting house for the family of late Col. Bako. I was also told that the Nigerian Army under the distinguished leadership of Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has offered a scholarship to his children, we will also support the family to compliment the efforts of the military.

“For the welfare of his family, Borno State Government will release the sum of N20 million as support for them. A cheque to the effect will be ready later today or tomorrow morning,” Zulum said.

The Governor had on Sunday night expressed sadness on the news of Bako’s demise.

Zulum described the Commander as one who inspired his troops and led them in the frontline with exceptional courage which was clearly out of pure patriotism.

He had also said the death of Bako and heroes like him shall not be in vain.