Kaduna 2011 post-election violence: FG budgets N7bn compensation for victims

From Muhammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero yesterday said the state is expecting N7 billion from the Federal Government as its share of compensation for the 2011 post-election violence.

Speaking during the presentation of cheques to representatives of religious groups, Governor Yero said his administration will not relent in its effort at sustaining lasting peace that will lead to reintegration of the diverse groups in the state.

Governor Yero distributed financial assistance worth over N163 million to 366 groups comprising Muslims and Christians organisations as he cautioned them against reprisal attacks against each other.

He said when crisis occurred in a particular community and the people vow to revenge there would always be crisis in the area or state.

“If anything happens and we say we must revenge and then the other people say they must also take vengeance, the situation will never end. We must be patient and always support Government in its efforts to bring those that are behind criminal activities to justice,” Yero said.

Governor Yero also condemned the recent attacks in parts of the state, especially those on communities in Kaura, Birnin Gwari and Giwa Local Government area, while assuring the people that Government will leave no stone unturned in its determination to apprehend those behind the dastardly acts.

The governor added that the financial assistant is meant to support various religious bodies in carrying out their activities as well as assist with building of places of worship and learning centres.

Religious groups from across the state received cheques distributed by the Governor, Deputy Governor Nuhu Audu Bajoga and other political office holders present. On the hand, the representative of the Jama’atu Nasrul Islam (JNI) shared cheques to Christian groups while the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna Chapter shared cheques to Muslim groups.

Some of the beneficiaries include; Salamatu Mosque Sardauna Crescent Kaduna, Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) Kaduna, Dogon Dawa Juma’at Mosque, Kwakwa Mosque Committee and MadrasatulIftahul Islam. Others are; St. Mary’s Catholic Church FadanKaje, ECWA Church Gwari Road, Bishara Baptist Church Tsaunin Kura, Anglican Deanery Wusasa, Zaria and Salama Health Ministry and Gospel Kujama.