BY IFEANYI UWAGWU
VICTIMS of the January 5 diesel tanker explosion in Agbor, which destroyed properties worth millions of naira and claimed several lives have started receiving compensation as promised by the Delta State Government.
The victims were received by the State Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, Hon. Ejiro Etacherure, at the State Warehouse, where cheques were presented to them, yesterday.
Etacherure said that the humane gesture is in line with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to the welfare of all Deltans, as encapsulated in the MORE Agenda. He expressed his appreciation to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for providing the necessary platform to enable the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to respond effectively to various disasters across the State, despite the limited resources available. He called on the victims to make judicious use of the financial assistance, even though the funds might not cover all their losses.
“Let me make it clear that the amount allocated to each victim is not a compensation for the losses suffered, but a way of identifying with the victims and cushioning the effect of the disaster on them. We hope it will go a long way in easing the burden caused by the incident,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the victims, Mr Sunday Omoruyi thanked the state government for its prompt response, noting that they had not expected any form of compensation so soon.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of cheques to the victims by both the Commissioner and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Prince Gregory Ejohwomu.
