Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has taken steps to support residents affected by election-related violence. He has set up a committee to verify victims and released N500 million from the state’s Election Violence Victims Relief Endowment Fund to help those affected.

The announcement was made through a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed, in Osogbo. The fund was created to cater to people who suffered losses, injuries, displacement, or other hardships resulting from election-related violence.

The committee is headed by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun. Its job is to carry out a transparent and credible verification process to confirm genuine claims and ensure that relief gets to deserving victims.

According to the state government, the move shows Adeleke’s commitment to supporting citizens affected by election-related violence.

Members of the committee include Egbedun as chairman; Mrs Eniola Omotoso; Mr Emmanuel Ologun, representing civil society organisations; Mrs Balkiss Akinleye; Mr Moshood Suleiman of the Ministry of Information; and Mr Moses Faremi of the Ministry of Justice.

Others are Hon. Yemi Lawal; Mr Sola Sonibare, Executive Secretary of the Osun Investment Promotion Agency, who will serve as secretary; as well as representatives from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The committee is tasked with receiving and reviewing petitions, claims, and supporting evidence submitted by victims. It will also determine who is eligible for relief and recommend appropriate support for verified victims, following guidelines approved by the state government.

The government has called on affected persons with genuine claims to cooperate with the committee by providing accurate information and the required evidence.

It stressed that the N500 million relief fund must be administered transparently and fairly, and used strictly for the benefit of verified victims.