The Kaduna State Government on Wednesday approved the release of N330 million as assistance to victims of the April 2011 post-election violence in the state.
Briefing newsmen on the outcome of the state executive council meeting, Commissioner for Information and Home Affairs, Alhaji Saidu Adamu said the approval was given during the meeting.
Adamu said the decision was in line with the recommendations of the 70-man Peace and Reconciliation Committee set up by the state government under the co-chairmanship of Air-Vice Marshal Ishaya Shekari (rtd) and Alhaji Abbas Sambo.
He said a committee would be set up under the chairmanship of the State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Muhktar Yero to ensure that the money reached the victims.
According to him, the co-chairmen of the committee would nominate two people each; Christians and Muslims, to form part of the Yero Committee.
The Chairman of the state council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Alhaji Idris Yusuf and Chairperson of the Red Cross, Hajiya Asabe Maikudi are also to serve as members.
Adamu stressed that the money was not a compensation but to aid the victims to speed up their resettlement in their places of choice.
He added that the governor was poised to realise his three-point agenda of security, unity and development targeted at returning the state to its “enviable social, political and economic status”.
He said the government would liaise with the Red Cross that had been involved in ensuring safety and providing succour to the victims for a comprehensive list of the victims.
The Commissioner said this was to ensure that no one was left out of the financial assistance.
“ With the 2012 Hajj exercise around the corner, the state would be more than glad if the few internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing at the Permanent Hajj Camp, Mondo relocate to their residences to allow the exercise be conducted there.”
The News agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the state government had earlier set up a “Succour and Assistance Committee” chaired by the commissioner, which doled out money and other items in aid of the victims.
Other members were the Special Advisers on Religious Matters, Christianity and Islam, Rev. John Hayab and Sheik Haliru Maraya respectively.
Also, businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote had assisted the victims with money, house hold items and consumables, in addition to several donations from groups and individuals. (NAN)