Over 300 victims submit claims for Osun election violence relief

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

More than 300 claims have been received by the Election Violence Victims Relief Committee in Osun State from persons affected by election-related violence during the August 15 governorship election, as the committee commenced the sorting and review of claims submitted by victims.

Governor Ademola Adeleke had inaugurated a 10-member committee to verify claims from victims and oversee the disbursement of the N500 million Election Violence Victims Relief Endowment Fund provided by the state government.

Speaking at the commencement of the verification and cross-examination of claimants, the speaker of the state House of Assembly and chairman of the committee, Adewale Egbedun, said the exercise was necessary to ensure that every claim was thoroughly examined and assistance reached those who genuinely suffered losses.

Egbedun assured all claimants that the committee would conduct the exercise with fairness, transparency and compassion.

He said the committee would listen to every claimant and objectively assess the evidence presented while ensuring that the process was not compromised.

“I want to assure all claimants that this Committee will conduct the exercise with fairness, transparency and compassion. We will listen to every claimant and objectively assess the evidence presented, while ensuring that the process is not compromised,” he said.

The chairman appealed to all claimants to cooperate fully with the committee and provide accurate information and relevant supporting documents.

He assured genuine victims that their cases would receive the attention they deserved, adding that the committee would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the relief process was credible, just and meaningful.