Katsina State Government has disbursed N20 million to support 33 families of local vigilantee members who died while on duty.
The governor of the state, Dikko Radda disclosed this on Saturday at the presentation of cash to the victims’ families in Katsina.
Represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abdullahi Faskari, Radda said some of the beneficiaries would receive N500,000 cash.
The governor added that no fewer than 10 vigilantee members who sustained injuries and a policeman received N250,000 each, while the family of one military officer who also died received N1 million cash.
He added that some members of the public who sustained injuries during the recent bandit attacks across the affected areas would be considered later.
Radda said the gesture was part of his campaign promises to appreciate those who sacrificed their lives and comfort in securing the state.
He assured the commitment of his administration towards fighting insecurity and other criminal tendencies across the state.
“My office is always open for advice and suggestions that will assist our administration to fulfill and actualise its promises,” he said.
Alhaji Sa’idu Danja, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Support of Victims of Banditry said earlier that the government had spent over N11.8 million for the treatment of victims of banditry attacks.
”Over 80 victims were treated free of charge at various health facilities,” he said, adding that about 40 of them had since been discharged.
Also, Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumin Kabir-Usman, commended the gesture and appealed to the government to expand the scope to accommodate more victims.
The royal father was represented by the Galadiman Katsina and District Head of Malumfashi, Alhaji Sadiq Abdullahi-Mahuta.
Malam Salisu Rabo-Kurfi, State Commander of Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), appreciated the government saying the support was desirous and timely.
Malam Garba Musa who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries described the gesture as miraculous as they never expected it.
He assured that they would make judicious use of the cash donations.
