Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has inaugurated a 10-member Committee on Election Violence Victims to verify claims of persons affected by election-related violence in the state.
The committee is also saddled with the responsibility of overseeing the disbursement of the N500 million Election Violence Victims Relief Endowment Fund established by the state government.
A statement issued on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said the committee, chaired by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, would ensure a transparent and credible process in identifying genuine victims and providing relief to those affected.
According to the statement, members of the committee include representatives from civil society organisations, the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Ministry of Information, Ministry of Justice, Osun Investment Promotion Agency, among others.
The government said the committee would receive petitions from victims, examine claims and supporting documents, determine eligible beneficiaries and recommend appropriate assistance in line with approved guidelines.
“The committee is mandated to receive and verify petitions, claims and supporting evidence submitted by victims; determine the eligibility of claimants; and recommend appropriate relief to verified victims in accordance with the guidelines approved by the State Government,” the statement read.
The Adeleke administration said the initiative was part of efforts to support residents who suffered injuries, losses, displacement and other forms of hardship arising from election-related violence.
The government urged affected persons with genuine claims to cooperate with the committee by providing accurate information and relevant evidence needed for the verification exercise.
“The committee is expected to ensure that the ₦500 million relief fund is administered transparently, fairly and strictly for the benefit of verified victims,” the statement added.
The development comes amid renewed concerns over political violence and its impact on citizens, with the state government pledging to provide assistance to those affected while ensuring accountability in the management of the relief fund.
