Not all loss is easy to discuss, especially the loss of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf. They put on that badge and they take to the streets, but when an officer goes down, it is not just about a retired blue uniform. Or maybe it's a parent, partner, sibling, or friend. The grief catches in families, rippling through communities leaving wounds that cannot possibly heal. This is a massive deal and one of the many reasons why this recent Nigerian government support to the families of these fallen heroes (albeit belated) could not have come at a better time.
We're talking about over N5. They also agreed to USD 7 billion in compensation being handed out to the families of these brave souls who served our country with everything they had. It remains a grim lesson for those of us watching from the sidelines that policing is not just a fucking job; it's the kind of life-and-death decision too many people must make on a much too regular basis. These families need all the help we can give them, and while nothing ever will fully heal the pain of loss, this is a start.
Now, let us pause for a second and reflect. It is very easy to get caught up in numbers and figures, but at the heart of this story are real people. Families who woke up one day to news no one ever wants to hear. The N5.7 billion spread across those affected families might help ease some financial burdens, but it’s also a nod of respect to the sacrifices made for the greater good.
What is important here is that, beyond the monetary support, is the message it sends: that their loved ones didn’t die in vain, and that their sacrifices are remembered and honored by the nation they swore to protect.