By Salifu Magaji, Abuja
A pro-democracy group, National Democratic Front has expressed disappointment over the delay in the payment of compensation to victims during the unfortunate Zaki Biam massacre by soldiers in Benue State in 2002.
The group in a parley with journalists in Abuja yesterday, urged the federal government to shun all distractions and pay the agreed compensation fee to the State as the official arbiter on behalf of the victims.
Speaking through its national Coordinator, Comrade Philip Agbese, the group said it was unfortunate that certain elements in the State were trying to sabotage the noble efforts of the federal government to bring succor to those affected and their families.
Agbese added that those who were against the State government’s receipt of the money were only being selfish and insensitive to the plight of victims.
Supporting their claim, the group said they were in support of the government because “there is no other person or group of persons with the statistics and data of affected persons like the State government, who at the heat of the crisis catered for victims”.
The coordinator commended the State government for pursuing the money on the victim’s behalf, and encouraged the State governor to push on until the victims get their demanded compensation as according to him “it is the ordained responsibility of the state”.
The group further called on the federal government to ensure justice is done by paying the approved sum rather than play politics with the matter, noting that “justice delayed is justice denied.”
