Most, if not all, modern militaries compensate the soldiers’ family when they die. A sort of financial hand is extended. Even non-state actors would compensate members of their irregular army should they die. I guess for some the motive is compassion, for others it is merely prudence. If the military does not compensate, people will […]
On that N10m compensation, they are all equal
Most, if not all, modern militaries compensate the soldiers’ family when they die. A sort of financial hand is extended. Even non-state actors would compensate members of their irregular army should they die. I guess for some the motive is compassion, for others it is merely prudence.
If the military does not compensate, people will think less of them. People will be less willing to take risk if they are convinced that the military does absolutely nothing to care for their families. It affects morale.
Sadly, our nation still does not have a proactive monetary compensation not just to fallen soldiers but for all those men and women who have served and pay with their lives for our great nation. I think we all are guilty to some degree of gradually overlooking the needs of grieving families.
While we commend Gov. Kashim Shettima for monetary donation to the family of Late Lt. Col. Abu Ali, we also believed and expect such pious arms will be extended to families of Sgt. Muazu Ibrahim, Bassey Okon, Hussaini Jafaru, Cpl. Chukwu Simon, Private Salisu Lawal and Seaman Patrick Paul who were killed in an ambush along with the Late Lt. Col.
In the military, there is differential compensation given to families of soldiers who die in the line of duty – compensation for getting killed in a major attack is much higher than one for a lesser known ambush. But we feel in this case, irrespective of their ranks, all their families should also be seen visited by our leaders and donations equally is accorded too.
In battle field, soldiers of different backgrounds and ranks came to respect one another as they fought side by side against the shared enemies and suffered the same hardship. Sacrifices of some should not be left uncovered and it is definitely a matter of regret that their sacrifices were not duly reported, and compensated as we witnessed for that of Late Lt. Col. The young children of these soldiers should never feel the absence of their father nor should the wives, parents or relatives of these gentlemen ever be made to run from pillar to post in the quest for compensation.
As Chief of Army Staff Gen. Buratai rightly pointed out, “they were brave, precise, professional and inspiring” they led the battle to recapture some towns. “In these battles, they rescued children and women, fathers and mothers, the young and the old and restored peace and hope to Nigerian citizens. At last, on Nov. 4, they paid the supreme sacrifice in the battle of Mallam Fatori”.
What their families need is our one shared empathy, gesture, be counted and be integral part of their erstwhile unit and regiment. We should reach out to them irrespective of rank or status, to help them in mundane chores: scholarships or carrier counseling and support information on schemes and opportunities. As the proverb goes, “What’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.” May their souls continue to rest in peace.
