The Election Violence Victims Relief Committee established by Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has recommended the provision of free medical treatment to victims of gunshot injuries and scholarships for children who lost their parents during violence linked to the August 15 governorship election.
The committee made the recommendation during its assessment of victims and their families, including a visit to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUNTH), Osogbo, yesterday, where members interacted with some of those injured in election-related violence.
The visit provided an opportunity for the committee to hear directly from survivors and reassure them of the state government’s commitment to supporting victims and addressing the consequences of the violence.
One of the survivors, Adebayo Sakirat, told the committee how she lost her pregnancy after hoodlums invaded her neighbourhood before the election. She said she fell while attempting to escape from gunfire during the incident.
Other survivors, including Salawudeen Kehinde and Kamorudeen Sodiq, also narrated their experiences, recounting how they narrowly escaped incidents of gun violence that occurred after the election.
The Chief Medical Director of UNIOSUNTH, Dr. Babatunde Afolabi, disclosed that a medical panel constituted by the hospital had so far identified 15 people who sustained gunshot injuries.
“Four of them are currently receiving treatment, and we are expecting the others. Those present are already receiving care, and we will ensure they are fully treated,” Afolabi said.
Speaking on behalf of the committee chairman and Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Wale Egbedun, Hon. Adewumi Adeyemi said the panel had examined claims involving more than 40 families whose members died as a result of the violence.
Adeyemi explained that particular attention was being given to victims still battling medical complications, especially those who may be unable to afford the cost of continued treatment.
He said the committee was approaching the completion of its assignment and would forward its findings and recommendations to the appropriate authorities within one week.
“We are in the concluding stage. We have reviewed over 400 cases, ranging from victims requiring leg amputations and treatment for gunshot wounds to individuals whose properties were destroyed,” Adeyemi said.
According to him, more than 90 per cent of the claims examined by the committee had been established as genuine cases connected to electoral violence. He, however, said a small number could not be verified because the applicants could not be reached.
Hon. Adeyemi added that the Speaker would make a comprehensive public statement after the committee submits its final report, reiterating that the panel expected to complete the process within the next one week.
