From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna
Victims of the 2011 post election violence in Kaduna yesterday staged a protest over failure of federal government to pay them their compensation four years after the violence that claimed many lives and properties worth millions of naira across the state.
They even threatened not to participate in the next coming election until the President pays them their compensation.
The victims were seen carrying placards with inscriptions such as “ Architect Namadi help us, we are dying” “ Nigerians support your Ophans and Widows” “ Mr President Help us please”, “ National Assembly Help Kaduna State Victims of 2011 elections please” “ Dear President we are suffering” among others.
They also chanted “no compensation no votes” as they stood for minutes at a Human Rights office, Network for Justice in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the Coalition of Victims of 2011 Post-election Violence in the state, Abubakar Sadiq Dahir said the victims of the violence reflect the diversity of Kaduna state.
According to him, there are Christians, Muslims, women and men, young and old victims.
“The deep sufferings and sense of loss cut across the northern, central and southern part of the state which is why we choose to jointly appeal for payment of the compensation.
“It was on record that President Jonathan while receiving the report of the post election violence panel which indicated that Kaduna state suffered 80 percent of the casualties promised to compensate the victims.
“It’s on record that nine states have already benefited from the President’s pledge to compensate the victims to enable them rehabilitate their lives. Hitherto, Kaduna state is yet to receive the long awaited compensation,” he said.
He further explained that they are highly surprised that Kaduna victims are yet to be compensated despite the fact that it has several representatives at the national level.
The group also appealed to all prominent sons of the state, including the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, the former state governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi and the state Governor, Muktar Ramalan Yero to come to their aid by ensuring that all victims of the 2011 elections get paid.
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