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Fronm Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
Forum of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the North East has called on the Federal Government and National Assembly to ensure equity in the approval of supports to victims of mass abduction in public places and terrorist attacks.
The forum made the call yesterday in a statement in Maiduguri by its chairman, Ahmed Shehu, as a reaction to the approval of N50 million to the deceased families of the Oriire school abduction in Oyo State by the Senate on Wednesday.
“The Civil Society Organisations in the North East have received with mixed emotions the news of the approval of N50 million by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in support of the bereaved family of the victim of abduction in Oyo State.”
Shehu said the forum was not opposed to the support for the victims as it rather commended the Senate for its move. He noted that the approval shows that the government could bring comfort to the people when it chooses to do so.
He, however, appealed to the government to extend such support to victims and families of similar attacks in Borno and North East states facing terrorism.
“Our communities have witnessed countless cases of abductions, killings and displacements. Many families in Borno, Yobe and other frontline states have buried loved ones taken by insurgents and have lived with the trauma in silence without similar public support or recognition from the Federal Government.”
He also appealed to the Senate, the Federal Government and all relevant agencies to establish a clear and compassionate national policy for supporting victims of abduction, terrorist attacks and violent crimes across the country.
