The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, on Wednesday assured quick payment of benefits to families of fallen officers.
Owoseni gave the assurance while speaking on a marine accident in which an officer, DSP Yomi Amao, attached to the Marine Police Unit, Elegbata in Apapa area of Lagos, died.
The commissioner also said that serving policemen would continue to get improved welfare packages.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that three police officers were on patrol in a boat on Tuesday when they ran into an object and the boat capsized.
The accident left Amao dead while two other officers sustained injuries.
“The Inspector General of Police, I-GP Ibrahim Idris, had shown desired interest in the welfare of officers and men of the force.
“We have several packages like Group Life Assurance, Death Benefits, Burial Benefits and our families know this,’’ the commissioner said.
According to him, the Lagos State Government, in addition to what the Nigeria Police is doing, has also increased the allowance given to officers who died on active service.
He added that the Police has scholarship scheme for children of the deceased policemen and there was provision of houses for them.
“Police officers retire in a place of their choice.
“These are some of the things the Police is doing and it can only get better.’’
He said that the Nigeria Police was experiencing challenges of inadequate information on family of deceased officers, which he said, sometimes delay payment of their benefits.
“The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has however, addressed this and will continue to do so,’’ he said.
Owoseni, while sharing the sad news of the death of the Marine Police officer, said that the Police Marine Unit was one of the professional units of the force.
“We have well trained officers and they have recorded so much successes.
“Every job has its hazards; everything needed for safety were on that boat and that is why it is called accident,’’ Owoseni said. (NAN)
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