The Gombe State Government has flagged off assistance for those affected by the Chieftaincy crisis in Billiri, Billiri Local Government Area, which erupted sometime in February this year.
Government officials and traditional rulers all said at the official ceremony that the cash assistance was not enough to replace what they had lost in the violent crisis that left some people dead and properties destroyed but hoped it would assist them pick up their lives once again.
The total number of people affected by the crisis are 554 people, whose personal property or businesses were destroyed or places of worship destroyed or their loved ones killed during the crisis and the sum of N591 million would be given out to those affected as relief and assistance.
Delivering the sympathy of Governor Muhammadu Yahaya over the unfortunate incident that led to the deaths of some and the destruction of property, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, prayed such occurrence never repeat itself.
Dr. Jatau equally said the distribution of the assistance to the affected persons was a show of care by the government to the people of Billiri.
“It’s a significant show of care, concern and love of the government towards not just the victims of the crisis, but towards the entire community and community of Billiri, Tangale, Tangale Waja and the rest, because Billiri hosts so many people. Particularly the Waja people. We are all aware, that whatever is lost can never be regained. However, my sincere prayer is that we should not witness this again in the near future,” Dr. Jatau.
On the distribution, the Chairman of the Committee responsible for the compensation of affected persons in Billiri, the Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Muhammad Magaji said 103 beneficiaries would be given their assistance during the official flag-off, which are people who lost relatives during the crisis, those who lost personal property and those who lost places of worship.
Mr. Magaji said; ”those who lost businesses would be compensated within the week.
“And those who also lost places of worship, which is the churches and the mosques will all be compensated. And from tomorrow and next tomorrow, we have to pay relief and assistance to those who lost commercial businesses and business areas. So, in total, about 591 million naira would be paid as compensation, as a relief to these persons. So, this will be completed within the week.”
The District Head of Gombe, the Yeriman Gombe, Abdulkadir Abubakar, who was part of those that gave goodwill messages at the event, called on the resident of Billiri Local Government to revert to the old ways of peaceful co-existence as displayed by the forefathers of the land and ensure that they live in peace.
He prayed that God alone would replenish all the people had lost and that whatever the government gave cannot be completely covered, but should be used as assistance to take care of their families.
Dominica Nwabufo
