Governor Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State has doled out over N163 million to 366 religious group in the state.
The Governor noted that three years after the post-election violence, the Federal Government was yet to redeem the N7 billion compensation for the victims of the 2011 post-election violence, adding that the state was not alone in the delay for the payment of the compensation to the victims of the violence which blew across some parts of the North in the wake of the 2011-presidential election.
The Governor, while presenting cheques to representatives of religious groups said that the N163million was to assist various religious bodies in carrying out their activities, as well as assist them in the building of places of worships, adding that his administration would not relent in its effort at sustaining lasting peace in the state.
The Governor also used the occasion to preach the message of peace and unity among adherents of the two major religions in the state. He reminded them that the aftermath of the violence has continued to hamper all the peace building processes initiated by the past and present administration due to reprisals and vengeance.
He also appealed to religious leaders to caution politicians against do-or-die politics, noting that no one could achieve what he or she is not destined to achieve.
Kaduna State is predominantly made up of Christians and Muslims. Due to its heterogeneous religious nature, the state has witnessed several ethno-religious crises in the past, which has also claimed so many lives and properties.
During the 2011 post presidential election violence in the state alone, several places of worship and commercial places were destroyed. This made the state the worst hit in the violence as both Muslims and Christians suffered losses.
The Governor, while condemning the recent attacks in parts of the state, especially those communities in Kaura, Birnin Gwari and Giwa Local Government Areas, assured the people that Government would leave no stone unturned in its determination to apprehend those behind the dastardly acts.
The benefiting religious groups comprising Christian and Muslim leaders thanked the Governor for the gesture and for his efforts to restore peace and security in the state.
Different religious groups from across the state received cheques distributed by the Governor, his Deputy, Nuhu Bajoga and other political office holders in the state.
