For the failure of the authorities to compensate them for the losses they suffered, victims of the 2011 post-election violence in Kaduna State have threatened to shun elections in February if the issue of compensation to them was not addressed by both the federal and state governments.
The victims, who have formed a coalition, disclosed that they have written several letters to the Presidency and the Kaduna State Government on the issue, but have been denied access to the relevant authorities, adding that they decided to come out and speak to the media because of their inability to have access to the government at both the state and the federal levels.
The spokesperson for the group, Dan Azumi Zonkwa while addressing journalists in Kaduna, lamented the sufferings and yearnings of the affected people in the state, stressing that they have been unfairly treated by the delay in the payment of compensations.
He said the Federal Government constituted a panel to look into the matter and make recommendations. He added that the findings of the panel revealed that Kaduna suffered 80 per cent of the casualties, wondering what is delaying the implementation of the committee’s report.
“We are highly surprised that Kaduna State, of all the states, is yet to be paid compensation despite the fact that it has several men and women of high esteem representing the state at the federal level.
“The victims of the unfortunate incident reflected the diversity of Kaduna State, as there are Christians, Muslims, women, men, young and old victims. The deep sufferings and sense of loss cut across the three senatorial zones of the state, which is why we decided to close rank to jointly appeal for payment of compensation.
“It is also on record that nine states have so far benefited from the President’s pledge to compensate the victims to enable them rehabilitate their lives. “Up till now, Kaduna State is yet to receive the long awaited compensation.
“We hope that government will do something before the next election. Otherwise, our people may decide not to participate in the forth-coming elections.
“We were made to understand that it has been captured in 2014 budget which we are yet to receive in 2015,” he said.
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