#EndSARS: Edo State to pay N190 million as compensation to victims
The Edo State Government disclosed it will compensate victims of police brutality during the #EndSARS protests with N190 million.
This was revealed by the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, on Friday, at Government House, Benin, after recommendations by the State Judicial Panel of Enquiry.
Obaseki added that the state will not wait for the Federal Government before paying the victims as he gave N1 million each to two victims of the EndSARS protest, Ohima Steven and Miracle Ailenokhori.
“I set up a panel to investigate cases of police brutality against the people. The panel has done its work and submitted its report.
“In summary, 117 petitions were received, 25 of them were struck out, while 10 were dismissed.
“The panel recommended compensation to be paid to victims totalling N190 million, while the amount of judgment sum recommended to be enforced was N98 million.
“I have accepted that we will pay those who were victims, not waiting for anybody, not even the Federal Government,” Obaseki said.
He also urged that there should be regular promotions for the police as at when due, enforcement of welfare package, training and re-training of police officers, upward review of salaries, yearly mental evaluation and quarterly test for hard drugs.
“We promised that against all odds, we will change the face of governance and this will only be possible through frequent and constant interactions,” Obaseki said.
The Federal Governors stated it will compensate the victims of the EndSARS protests with each State in collaboration, with the Federal Government establishing the modalities for the settlement of all monetary compensations awarded by the panels. The government also urged protesters to reconsider marking the anniversary of the protests due to national security concerns.
The National Economic Council (NEC), which is composed of all state governors in the federation, representatives of the FG, and chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo also unanimously resolved to ensure the prosecution of persons indicted by the panels. The Council specifically directed States to immediately forward copies of final reports of the panels to their Attorneys-General for prompt arraignment and prosecution of all indicted persons.
