Right Activist Wants FG To Compensate Victims Of Zaki Biam

Following the stalemate in the payment of compensation to victims of the unfortunate invasion of Zaki Biam in Benue State by soldiers in 2002, a pro-democracy group National Democratic Front (NDF), has thrown its support behind the State government as official recipient of the compensation.

The group in an interaction with journalists in Abuja, called on 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.

The Front which spoke through its national Coordinator, Comrade Philip Agbese, said it was unfortunate that certain elements in the State were trying to subvert the noble efforts of the federal government to bring succor those affected and their families.

According to Agbese, those who were against the State government's receipt of the money were only being selfish and insensitive to the plight of victims.

Further 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".

Commending the State government for pursuing the money on the victim's behalf, Agbese 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".

Meanwhile the group has also 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."