By Ado Oyeyemi
Victims of election related violence in Osun State have been invited to submit claims for possible assistance from the state’s N500 million relief fund.
The invitation was made on Thursday by the Chairman of the Osun State Election Violence Relief Committee and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, during the committee’s inaugural meeting.
Egbedun said the committee had commenced work by reviewing complaints previously received while also providing an avenue for other people affected by the incidents to present their cases.
He explained that the committee would be responsible for receiving complaints, verifying genuine claims and ensuring that approved assistance reached eligible victims who suffered losses during the violence.
The Speaker assured applicants that the process would be conducted transparently, with decisions based on evidence and the circumstances of each case.
He said people still receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during the incidents should contact the committee through their relatives or authorised representatives.
Egbedun added that the committee would work with hospitals where necessary to verify the condition of injured victims and determine the assistance required.
He also assured eligible victims, their families and medical facilities that the state government was committed to settling approved medical expenses arising from the incidents.
Beyond medical assistance, the committee chairman said the intervention was also aimed at supporting vulnerable families affected by the violence.
He noted that providing educational opportunities for children who lost their parents as a result of the incidents would help protect their future.
The Osun State Government had earlier established the committee to verify claims arising from election related violence and oversee the disbursement of the N500 million Election Violence Victims Relief Endowment Fund.
The committee is expected to authenticate claims through a verification process before relief is released to qualified beneficiaries.
