Osun election violence committee opens relief claims for victims

Victims of election-related violence in Osun State have been urged to submit their claims for possible assistance from the state’s N500 million relief fund.

The appeal was made 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 on Thursday.

Egbedun said the committee had begun its assignment by reviewing complaints already received and collated, while creating an opportunity for other affected persons to present their cases for consideration.

He explained that the committee’s responsibilities included receiving complaints, verifying genuine claims and ensuring that approved assistance reached people who suffered losses during election-related incidents.

According to him, “the process would be conducted fairly and transparently, with decisions based on facts and the circumstances surrounding each case.

“Every submission would be treated with utmost seriousness, and decisions would be guided by facts, fairness and compassion.”

The Speaker called on people still undergoing treatment in hospitals for injuries sustained during election-related violence to come forward through relatives or authorised representatives.

He said, “Persons still receiving treatment in hospitals as a result of injuries sustained during the election-related incidents should come forward, preferably through their relatives or representatives, and make their cases known to the committee.”

Egbedun added that the committee would liaise with hospitals where necessary to establish the condition of injured victims and determine the appropriate assistance required.

He assured victims, their families and medical facilities that the state government remained committed to covering the approved cost of treatment for eligible victims.

The committee chairman also said the initiative was intended to support vulnerable families affected by the violence, adding that providing educational opportunities for children who lost their parents would help preserve their future.

The Osun State Government had earlier unveiled the committee to verify claims arising from the election-related violence and supervise the disbursement of the N500 million Election Violence Victims Relief Endowment Fund.

The committee is expected to establish genuine claims through a transparent verification process before relief is distributed to qualified beneficiaries.