The Rivers State Government has disbursed N450 million to victims of violence during the 2019 presidential election in Abonnema community of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area.
Africa Update gathered that the beneficiaries include victims who were purportedly attacked by soldiers drafted to the area to maintain law and order during the last presidential election, leading to the death of several persons while others sustained bullet wounds, lost valuable items and were arrested and detained by these officers.
According to government sources, about 37 persons lost their lives during the 2019 presidential election in Abonnema.
This disbursement Africa Update gathered was made to fulfill a promise made by Governor Nyesom Wike, when he visited the community after the election to commiserate with the people, for the violence and mayhem unleashed on them.
The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, at the official confirmation of the names of the deceased and their next-of-kin, as well as other beneficiaries said that after the incident, the governor inaugurated a high-powered committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Ipalibo Harry- Banigo, to collect data on the people who suffered losses during the presidential election.
Governor Wike enjoined the Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disreal Bob-Manuel, to ensure that the beneficiaries were his subjects.
In his speech, King Bob-Manuel described Wike as a reliable and compassionate leader with the political will to fulfil his promises.
The Amanyanabo expressed gratitude to the state governor for empathising with the Abonnema community and charged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the money.
The Chairman of Akuku-Toru LGA, Mr Rowland Sekibo, and other stakeholders were also at the event.
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