BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI & AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE

Serving soldiers who lose their lives in the line of battle during internal security operations like the war against terror or foreign missions are now to enjoy a new insurance scheme for servicemen which would increase the monetary benefits to their families.

This was even as the National Association of Military Pensioners has said that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day was no longer necessary since majority of the surviving ex-service men were dying without collecting pensions.

National President of the association, Mr Benson Eromafuru, made this known in Warri, Delta State, yesterday.

Eromafuru noted that the Federal Government had no regards for ex-servicemen in the country which informed its refusal to ensure prompt payment of gratuities and arrears of pensions for retired military men.

However, the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika, at the 2014 Armed Forces Remembrance Day said: “The new insurance scheme has improved what the next-of-kin receives each time we lose military personnel.”

Ihejirika said, “We have also put in place, a policy that will ensure the salary of the deceased is not stopped abruptly like before until he is paid, and a lot more is being done in this regard.”

Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Vice Admiral Ola Ibrahim, said that a lot had been packaged for families of dead soldiers to ensure that “the lot of our fallen heroes and relations are improved upon.’’

The Senate President, David Mark paid glowing tribute to the fallen heroes, noting that the respect and honour shown today will let people know that we appreciate our fallen heroes, adding that it will encourage those who are alive, so that if necessary they will sacrifice their lives for the unity and integrity of this country.

The laying of wreath was performed by President Goodluck Jonathan, followed by Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senator David Mark, Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal and others.