Harry Archie
Victims of violence linked to the August 15 Osun State governorship election have been asked to submit their claims to the state’s Election Violence Relief Committee.
The committee made the call on Thursday during its inaugural meeting in Osun State.
The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, who chairs the committee, said the body was established to listen to victims, verify their claims and ensure that genuine victims receive appropriate assistance.
According to the committee, residents who suffered injuries, loss of property or other forms of harm during the election period should come forward and present their cases.
The committee said it had already begun collecting complaints from some victims.
Egbedun described the assignment as both humanitarian and sensitive, stressing that every claim would be examined carefully before decisions were made.
He promised that the process would be handled fairly and transparently, with decisions based on facts and evidence.
The committee also appealed to people who were injured during the election and are still receiving medical treatment to report their cases.
According to the chairman, such victims may make their complaints through relatives or representatives if they are unable to appear before the committee themselves.
The committee will then contact the hospitals where the victims are receiving treatment and work towards ensuring that they receive the necessary medical care.
Egbedun also assured victims, their families and hospitals that the Osun State Government remained committed to taking responsibility for approved treatment costs.
The initiative also extends to children who lost their parents or guardians as a result of the election violence.
The committee disclosed that the Adeleke Dynasty, through the Springtime Development Foundation, had offered to provide scholarships for children whose parents or benefactors died during the violence.
Egbedun welcomed the initiative, saying education could help children affected by the crisis rebuild their lives and maintain hope for the future.
He said supporting the children of victims was also one way of honouring those who lost their lives during the election period.
The August 15 election was won by Governor Ademola Adeleke, who contested under the Accord Party. He polled 511,067 votes to defeat the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes.
The election was followed by concerns over violence and its impact on residents.
The relief committee said its goal was to ensure that genuine victims were not ignored and that assistance reached those who were affected.
Egbedun also pledged that the committee would maintain a credible and transparent process throughout its work.
