Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Augustina Osai, thanked the I-G, saying that the money would go a long way in assisting members of their families.

“Basically, it is my dad’s retirement benefit; it is just to support the family that my dad left behind.

“My dad was ill and he died in May 2014 as an Assistant Superintendent. The benefit is a good thing, a good initiative and the government has done its best to take care of the families of the deceased.

“I am surprised it came early because from what we heard, it will take about five years for us to get the benefit. We almost gave up hope, but now that we have the money, will take care of all our father left behind,’’ she said.

Also, Elvis, whose first name was withheld, commended the police authorities for the development.

He added that after his father was shot during the Lekki-Ikoyi robbery, he was not expecting any benefits soon.

“I did not expect the money to come this early; I was thinking it will take up to three years.

“This is a good development in the police and this is also an evidence that the authorities were passionate about the welfare of deceased officers’ families,’’ he said.