Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Army widows recount agonies, Legion seeks political appointments for members

Widows of the slain soldiers have recounted their social, economic and emotional ordeals following the untimely demise of their husbands in active service.

 

The widows spoke to newsmen Thursday during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance day celebration.

 

The event was held at the Unity Square, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.

 

They decried the poor death benefits paid to them in respect of their deceased husbands describing it as nothing to write home about.

 

One of the widows, Mrs Winner Ekumawoh, explained that her husband, Late Corporal Ekumawoh was shot dead by unknown gun men while in official duty during the 2023 elections in Nigeria.

 

She narrated: “I was barely 24 years when my husband died.

 

“My husband died in active service during the 2023 elections.

 

According to what we were told, he was shot by unknown gunmen in his duty post, where he was deployed.

 

“I had three children, but along the line one died, remaining two.

 

“Life has not really been easy over these years: paying their fees, catering for them alone.

 

“I was still in school then as well, and I had to drop.

 

“Last year, I managed to go back to complete my studies but I haven’t served yet, not because I don’t want, but because I don’t have the money for my clearance.

 

“It has been so difficult coping with the kids, coupled with the fact that the death benefit wasn’t something to write home about.

 

“A situation whereby a soldier who dedicated and sacrificed his life for his country is paid peanut when he dies in active service is quite disheartening.”

 

Mrs Ekumawoh who appreciated the Army authorities for still allowing them accommodation in the Barracks, however lamented that such gestures may not continue indefinitely.

 

“We are grateful that we have a free accommodation in the Barracks but there’s no assurance that we will stay there indefinitely.

 

“It’s even more difficult living there, seeing your husband’s mates, other soldiers and their wives and the questioning from people every now and then.

 

“The emotional trauma is even more excruciating.

 

“It has really been too tough, but who do we cry to?

 

“We only wallow in our agony.”

 

The widow appealed to government at all levels to extend employment, financial and other kinds of support to her and many others in her group to ameliorate their sufferings.

 

“I need to be employed.

 

“If I can’t be employed, I need financial support to be established.

 

“A good business can do, not just for me alone but many other suffering widows in the Barracks” She requested.

 

Adding her voice, the Ebonyi State Coordinator, Nigerian Army Widows Association (NIWA), Mrs. Margaret Luke Ugoagha, appreciated the State government for all its assistance to the widows including empowerment and employment of some of them.

 

She also commended the Abakaliki cantonment authorities for allowing them free accommodation in the Barracks, unlike what is obtainable in some others.

 

Ugoagha solicited for more employment opportunities for the widows and their children to help ameliorate their sufferings.

 

In his address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Ebonyi State Council, Veteran Okechukwu Ijeagwu, while appreciating the government for its assistance so far to the members of the Legion and families of fallen heroes, solicited for political appointment from Governor Francis Nwifuru for its members.

 

Responding to questions from newsmen, the Cantonment Commander, Nkwoagu Military cantonment Abakaliki, Lt. Col. Ikenna Emmanuel Chielo, said the Present administration in the country and the Nigerian Army have put in place packages to ensure that the welfare of serving and ex-servicemen are met and that their children do not suffer.

 

“Our message in this event is that of hope: we will always be by their side.

 

“Both the federal and State governments as well as the Armed Forces will always support them”, Chielo reassured.

 

The event featured Military parade, inspection of military guard of honour by Governor Francis Nwifuru, as well as prayers for the nation and its security forces, including the continued repose of the souls of the departed heroes.

 

The Governor also led other dignitaries to the laying of Wreaths at the cenotaph of the unknown soldier and the release of pigeons as a mark of peace.

 

The Armed Forces celebration and Remembrance day is observed 15th January, annually.