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Katsina government spends N27.6m on Amnesty Programme

By Victor Ifeanyi Uzoho
13 July 2017   |   4:18 am
The amnesty program initiated by Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has yielded positive result, especially in Faskari, Sabuwa, Dandume, Kankara, Danmusa, Safana, Batsari and Jibia, being the major cattle rustling council areas of the state.

Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari

The amnesty program initiated by Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has yielded positive result, especially in Faskari, Sabuwa, Dandume, Kankara, Danmusa, Safana, Batsari and Jibia, being the major cattle rustling council areas of the state.

Since the inauguration of the State Dialogue and Amnesty Committee on November 10, 2016 headed by the Secretary to the Government (SSG), it has received N40m from the state government.

It received N5million on December 9, 2016 and another N5million on January 17, 2017 as its working impress. The state government released another N30m to pay compensation for the guns surrendered to the government by herdsmen or members of the vigilante groups.

This was done after due screening, confirmation and recommendation by the Commanding Officer of the 35 battalion, Katsina that that approved the payment of N250, 000 for each AK 47 or Pump Action riffle and N50, 000 for lesser firearms.

Thus far, the sum of N20.330m has been paid and the Committee and Sub-Committee spent N7.340m on mobilization, visiting the flash point areas to enlighten the people and gather support for the amnesty programme and for their allowances.

The sum of N27.6m has so far been spent on the amnesty programme leaving N12.3m as balance from a total sum of N40m.

Chief Press Secretary to the SSG, Abdullahi Aliyu Yar’adua, made this known at a press conference in Katsina.

“This effort of the Masari administration has attracted the attention of the Presidential Committee on Small Weapons (PRESCOM), which visited Katsina to take stock of the surrendered weapons, in conjunction with representatives of other international Agencies monitoring proliferation of small firearms,” Abdullahi said.

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