Wives of Nigerian fallen heroes can't access their late husband's account due to BVN law

Women of personnel fighting the insurgents in the North Eastern Nigeria have complained of difficulties in taking care of their children following the introduction of the Bank Verification Number (BVN).

Pulse gathered that the women who usually access their husbands account for family needs are now crying because of the introduction of the BVN.

Mary Andrew, a widow of one of the slain soldiers, said she was crying because she can't access her husband's account.

Mary is not alone in this agony. Over 60 wives of the fallen heroes in the ongoing military 'Operation Lafiya Dole' against Boko Haram terrorists and insurgents in the North-East are also facing similar horror.

“Our children are being sent out of schools because we can't pay school fees. As I speak, none of us can access our late or missing husbands’ bank accounts because of this policy," Mary said.

The women are crying but the men in the battle fields are making progress, winning the war against the insurgents.

Troops conducted a clearance operation at Shentimari General Area and cleared Boko Haram enclaves, recovering 78 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, military authorities said.

At Chukun Gudu, troops destroyed terrorists' camps along Jillam, Bula Butube general areas.10 terrorists were killed, 2 AK47 Rifles, 2 AK47 magazines, 2 solar panels and 2 GSM handsets were recovered with 1 Isuzu vehicle destroyed.

"Terrorists' camps/enclaves at Ngwalimiri and Gazama in Damboa Local Government Area have been cleared and 10 suspected Boko Haram members from Bego, Mesemarri and Bale villages were intercepted carrying bags containing food condiments, soaps, and other items at Mufurundi village along Damboa-Bale road. The military killed 3 terrorists at Wajirok- Ajigin," the Theatre Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Major General Hassan Umaru has confirmed the report, while also commending his gallant soldiers.

The military authority's breakdown of successes seems to be heart warming but that is not being achieved without casualties from the Nigeria military.

"21 terrorists were killed in Marte while 3 soldiers wounded during the encounter. One Anti Air Gun, 10 AK47 rifles,1 FN rifle,7 x 60mm MOR bombs, qty 342 rounds of 12.7mm, Qty 507 rounds of 7.62mm ammunitions, 1 Toyota Hilux, 1 Land Cruiser vehicle, 1 IED with charger were captured from the terrorists," authorities say.

The terrorists who have been waging a seven year war seeking to carve out an Islamic territory within Nigeria's North East region are beginning to surrender.

Three terrorists said to have been forced into joining the group voluntarily surrendered themselves to Damboa Vigilante Group at Kaya village even though one of the civilian JTF died of stabbing in that process.

Rugga Fulani in Dure village has also been cleared by the military, killing eight terrorists and recovering 2 AK47 rifles,2 dane guns, 3 AK47 Magazines with 38 rounds of ammunition. Wala, Tirkopytir, and Durubajuwe villages have also been cleared with 1 rusty GPMG barrel, 1 grinding machine and a dane gun recovered.

Many communities in Borno state including Afe, Kudiye, Souma, Dika, Mijigeta and Mida have been cleared, with over 20 terrorists killed.

"3 rifles, 41 motorcycles were destroyed, 370 hostages rescued and brought to the IDP camp at Dikwa. In Huyum, Jeje and Diba villages, 5 women, 12 children of the terrorists were intercepted, while four were killed," Gen Umaru disclosed.

However, widows of the men who fought and are still fighting the insurgents hardly can eat. Some of them are beggars on the streets of Maiduguri and Biu Local governments, it was gathered.

"In the last two months since the BVN came into force, we find it difficult to eat. some of us have become “beggars” on the streets of Maiduguri and Biu," the widow, Mary, disclosed.

Ibrahim Yerebe contributed reporting from Borno State.