Governor Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State on Tuesday presented N29.1 million to families of workers killed in a bomb blast in Zaria nine months ago, during workers verification.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 20 people died in the incident on July 7, 2015 at the premises of Sabongari Local Government Secretariat in Zaria.
Those affected were mostly local council workers from Lere and Kauru local Government Areas, who travelled to Zaria for the mandatory verification of their employment status ordered by the governor.
Already, the government has come under intense criticism for allegedly neglecting to pay the death gratuity of the victims.
Leading critics, including labour unions and the Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, have berated the government for the delay and accused it of treating issues affecting workers with levity.
While presenting cheques to families of the beneficiaries, El-Rufa’i, however, commended their patience, saying the government would not abdicate its responsibility.
He condemned the terrorist attack, stressing: “We all need to continue to be vigilant, continue to protect civilized values from all sort of extremists.
“What is within our power is to perform the obligations that we owe our deceased staff.
“The group life insurance death benefit cheque that will be presented today cannot replace lives, but it can remind those that are living that the contributions of their loved ones are appreciated and cherished.”
El-Rufa’i reiterated the commitment of the government to make huge investment in security, to protect lives and property of the people.
“We are creating jobs to give people dignity and reduce the number of people that might be easily tempted to criminal behaviour,” he said.
NAN.
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
