Billiri crisis: Gombe moves to compensate victims; 8 lives, over N500 million lost – Govt report

William Attah, Gombe

An assessment committee set up by the Gombe State Government after the ill fated Billiri Royal throne crisis in Gombe State early this year has reported that no fewer than eight lives with property worth N531,358,468.00 were lost.

The report also stated that no fewer than 51 persons sustained various degrees of injuries during the mayhem.

It will be recalled that violence erupted after the people suspected that the State Government was about to subvert their choice of a new Mai Tangle (Traditional Ruler).

There was some days of silence by the Government after the election by the kingmakers resulting to rising tension which generated to full scale violence on Friday, February 19, 2021.

Rising from it’s State Executive Council meeting Wednesday afternoon, the State Government said it is looking at the possibility of compensating those who were adversely affected by the crisis.

State Commissioner of Information and Culture, Mr. Julius Ishaya, while briefing newsmen, said a five man committee made up of four unnamed commissioners and the Chairman of Billiri Local Government Council, Margaret Bitrus, has been formed to look at ways of compensating the victims.

According to the report of the assessment committee which the council ratified during the meeting, 41 houses worth over N94,666,000.00 were destroyed.

The report also stated that 401 corporate business places, 335 individual business places as well as 66 others belonging to Billiri Local Government valued at N148,135,000.00 were destroyed.

He said 33 worship centres worth over N33,129,000.00 and other property such as cars, animals among many others worth over N31,480,000.00 were likewise destroyed, making a total sum of N542,258,468.00.

He said council mandated the five man committee to proffer ways of generating funds to compensate victims including the local council whose property were also destroyed.