Governor Zulum donates N10m and a house to the family of slain CJTF commander

GOVERNOR Babagana Zulum of Borno State has approved the release of N10m ($23,403) and a house of the same value to the family of civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) commander Babagana Tela popularly known as Kadau who was killed by Boko Haram in June this year.

Across Borno State the civilian JTF a prominent volunteer group of combat-ready youths, famous for using their local understanding of the local terrain to fight against terrorists. Kadau, the supreme commander of the civilian JTF in the Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, was ambushed by Boko Haram, while his team went on routine patrol outside Bama town.

Isa Gusau, Governor Zulum's spokesman, paid tribute to Kadau for paying the supreme price in defence of Borno and Nigeria. Speaking during his meeting with counter-insurgency volunteers in Bama during the week, he added that the governor had also visited the family of the vigilante commander.

Mr Gusau said: “Before leaving Bama on Thursday evening, Governor Zulum visited Kadau’s deceased family to register his condolence, after he had previously sent representatives. Also, the governor directed the release of N10m for the upkeep of the family over a period of time.

"He directed that the family opens an account with joint signatories, to which the N10m, he said, would be paid. Zulum also directed that a house worth another N10m be purchased for Kadau’s bereaved family so that they should stop paying rent."

In addition, he noted that the governor further directed that all children of the late commander be awarded scholarship throughout their education, which he described as very small reward for all that Kadau to bring peace to Bama and by extension Borno State and Nigeria. Governor Zulum also offered cash, food and textiles to all 683 volunteers involved in fighting Boko Haram in Bama and paid tribute to all of them for their services.

Mr Gusau stated that in June 2019, Governor Zulum increased the monthly allowances of volunteers across Borno State, approved the procurement of more vehicles for their use and also bought more security gadgets for them. He added: “The governor also approved massive recruitment of hunters to join volunteer groups and had them deployed to their communities to complement efforts of armed forces in fighting terrorism."