The South-South branch of the Military Widows Association of Nigeria is asking for complete support, including psychological and social help, for the widows of deceased soldiers to show them love, even after their loved ones have passed away.
The association also stands with Nigerians and the international community in denouncing the savage murder of 17 soldiers who were deployed for security and peacekeeping duties in the Okuoma community of Delta State.
Director of Operation of South-South MWAN, Dr. Gebrial Iyoh, shared South-South PUNCH on Wednesday that the tragic incident is a clear reminder of the risks faced by members of our armed forces while serving the nation.
He said, “The brutal killing not only shocked Nigerians, but also deeply affected the families of the deceased soldiers.
“Young widows and their children have been left to live without the love, care, guidance, and financial security of their main providers. MWAN hopes that they will not be forgotten by the country their husbands died for.
“Support for the widows goes beyond financial compensation. It includes acknowledging the bravery of their loved ones, providing psychological and social support, and ensuring educational support for the children.”
MWAN thanked President Bola Tinubu for honoring the 17 deceased soldiers.
He said, “We urge the government, the military authorities, and the people of this great country to guarantee that the families receive the full range of required support services.
“May it never be said in the future that after the initial disapproval and promises of support, the families will be forgotten.
The director used the opportunity to remind Nigerians that many military wives become widows at a young age due to less publicized deaths of soldiers in active service in Nigeria and internationally.
He said as a country, we should be doing more for these widows, calling on well-meaning individuals, corporate bodies, and others to collaborate with MWAN in caring for these widows.
Praising the support from the Delta State government, Iyoh appealed to the state government to assist MWAN by selling its annual legion materials, such as stickers/emblems, to transporters to help them generate revenue to support the families of fallen heroes.
He expressed regret that the number of widows in the zone is increasing due to the unpublicized daily deaths of soldiers.
