The Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday, presented over N4m cash rewards and post-humous certificates of commendation to the families of the policemen recently killed by militants at Ikorodu.
It will be recalled that four policemen and an army captain were ambushed by suspected militants on April 9, while responding to distress call that some people were being kidnapped at Isawo, Ikorodu.
They died on the spot while three others escaped with severe bullet wounds.
They were also given cash rewards.
The suspected leader of the militants, one Endurance Ominisan aka Mighty was gunned down by operatives of IGP Intelligence Response Team during a shootout at his girlfriend’s house on Joel Adebolu Street, Ibeshe, Ikorodu.
The Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, conveying the message of the Inspector General of Police gave cash and posthumous certificate of gallantry to the families of the dead officers police at the state command headquarters on Tuesday.
Owoseni said the monies and certificates were to demonstrate to the families that the IGP and the entire Police Force appreciate their gallantry and encourage other policemen that the force is with them in time of peace and trouble.
“Inspector Godwin Iruagbalachi, Inspector Francis Pemi, Sergeant Mammudu Dembo and Sergeant Idor Ekoro were given the IGP’s commendation so that their death would not be in vain, adding that the cash could not be equated to the loss but a sign of appreciation for their dedication to duty.
“These men were responding to a distress call to save lives when they were killed. We should learn how to appreciate sacrifice of our men, which is what we have done today, not that the token can bring them back . We pray that God would grant them eternal rest in paradise.”
He called on other policemen not to relent in their duty of protecting lives and property and also called on members of the public to cooperate with the police in the fight against crime.
The statutory death benefits of the officers, insurance and sundry entitlements are still being processed.