The Katsina State Government has commenced the disbursement of N247m to no fewer than 680 victims of the March 2, 2021 Katsina central market fire.
The Chairman of the committee in charge of the compensation, Ahmed El- Marzuq, confirmed the development during the flag off of the exercise in Katsina.
He explained that the government was to compensate the victims with payment of 40% of value of their losses.
El-Marzuq, who is also the state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, added that funds for the compensation were realised from contributions made by the state, political appointees and the civil servants as well as from the donations made by individuals and organisations.
He clarified that, for now only 68% of the compensation would be disbursed to the victims, adding that the remaining 32% will soon follow.
The Chairman of Katsina State Market Traders Association, Abbas Al- baba, in his remarks during the flag off, lauded the state for the gesture.
He pleaded for speedy reconstruction of the burnt parts of the market to enable victims fully resume their trading activities.
NAN