288,375 victims of banditry in Kaduna get palliatives

• Kano gov warns Ramadan palliative handlers against diversion • Gombe, Jigawa set up committees to avert stampede

KADUNA State Government has flagged off the distribution of palliatives to Internally Displaced Persons ( IDPS) in Kajuru Local Council, pointing out that 551 communities across 12 local councils are affected by banditry, while 289,375 IDPS are recorded.

Executive Secretary of Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency ( KAD

SEMA), Dr Usman Mazadu, disclosed the figures at the flag- off in Maraban Kajuru.

“The figures were not just numbers, but statistics that represent lives, dreams and the enduring spirit of our people,” he added.

According to him, Chikun has 134 affected communities and 26,345 IDPS, while Birnin Gwari has 84 affected communities and 70,893 IDPS.

Mazadu, however, said: “We are here to initiate a significant undertaking, the flag- off of the distribution of relief materials to our brothers and sisters, who have been displaced by the unfortunate events that have befallen some communities in our dear state.

“This distribution of palliative is not just an act of aid; it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the SUSTAIN Agenda of our visionary leader, Governor Uba Sani, which is a comprehensive blueprint for the safety, security and prosperity of our people.”

He noted that the governor factored the number into his N11.4 billion palliative programme.

Flagging off the distribution, the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, represented by her Chief of Staff, James Kanyip, assured that the Saniled administration would not rest until banditry is eradicated.

ALSO, Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, unveiled the distribution of Ramadan palliative to the less privileged in the society, but with a strong warning against any attempt to divert the food items.

During the fourth distribution in the series of palliatives in the state, Governor Yusuf disclosed that the food items were meant for the less privileged and must be delivered to them.

Although he was silent on the kind of punishment awaiting anyone found sabotaging the distribution, he was categorical that any person caught betraying the confidence entrusted in the committee would not go scot- free.