By Aideloje Ojo
Minna
The Niger state government has paid N26.7m compensation to 28 people whose properties were destroyed by fire disaster in Minna last year.
The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah stated this on Thursday while presenting cheques to the beneficiaries in Minna.
According to him, ” the beneficiaries include those affected by the fire incident which occurred and burnt down shops at the shopping complex and their landlords near Garima in Tunga low-cost last year. Others include a newly wedded couple in Maitumbi whose apartment got completely burnt leaving them with nothing except thier wedding gown “.
While conveying the sympathy of the state Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago to the beneficiaries on the loss of properties, the Director General explained that the Governor graciously approved 25% of the there total loses in monetary terms.
He said, ” The Executive Governor of Niger State, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago has approved the payment of these compensation to you people affected by the aforementioned fire disasters in Minna last year. The Governor also directed us to inform you that government will not be able to pay for all the valuable properties that you have lost in the various fire disasters. However this should provide a sort of palliative to cushion the effect of the unfortunate incidents “.
He advised the beneficiaries and all residents of the state to take precautionary measures to avoid fire incidents in the state, adding that, ” necessary caution must be taken in handling electrical devices. Do not forget to put off all electrical points at closing time in the office, shops and at home “.
Appreciating the Governor for the kind gesture, a beneficiary, Mohmud Mohammed described the day of the fire incident as the saddest of his life and thanked the Governor for his empathy to the victims in the release of the compensations.
