The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has assured the family of Col. Ken Elemele, who was killed in a Boko Haram ambush, that the state government will stand with them.
Elemele was killed last Wednesday during an attack by members of the sect in Borno State.
Speaking during a condolence visit to the family in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike, who announced an education trust fund with an initial seed fund of ₦30m for the children of the deceased, said Elemele’s death was a sad loss to the state and Nigeria in general.
The governor explained that Rivers indigenes were expecting another General from the state to emerge from the Nigerian Army before Elemele’s death, which he described as sad and unfortunate.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, the governor said, “This is a sad loss of an illustrious son of Rivers State. We were expecting the emergence of another General before this unfortunate incident. Please, accept my personal condolence and that of the good people of Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government shares this grief with the family. We will stand by you through this period.”
Wike prayed to God to console the widow and her children, saying that only God could fill the gap created by the sudden death of Elemele.
“We urge you to put your trust in God. Be strong for your children. God will always support you at this time,” he said.
He added that the state government would be in touch with the family to ensure that their immediate needs were taken care of.
The widow of the late colonel, Chioma, thanked the governor for reaching out to the family.