Ilorin looting: 342 businesses applied for recovery funds, says Kwara govt
The Kwara State Government has disclosed that no fewer than 342 business owners have registered for its N500m small and medium enterprise (SME) recovery funds set aside to support those who lost assets in the recent looting in Ilorin.
“The application for the SME recovery funds closed midnight Tuesday November 3rd with 342 business owners filing varying claims of loss,” Ag. General Manager of the State Social Investment Programme, Mohammed Brimah, said in a statement on Wednesday.
“The government will next appoint a committee comprising persons of impeccable character, including civic groups, to work with insurance adjusters to verify the claims and ensure a transparent disbursement of funds to claimants. The process will begin this week and everyone concerned will be contacted in due course.”
Recall that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had earlier announced N500m recovery funds to assist businesses affected in the incident.
144 suspected looters arrested
The police in the state had since arrested 144 suspects in connection with the crimes.
The State Commissioner for Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on October 26, said all the suspects were arrested with looted items in their possession.
According to him, the command will ensure all those who looted public and private properties are arrested and the stolen items recovered.
He said the arrest will be a continuous exercise in the nooks and crannies of the State, adding that the Police in collaboration with other security agencies will ensure no culprit is allowed to escape.
Looters who surrender stolen goods to be pardoned
Meanwhile, Egbetokun, also vowed not to prosecute looters who willingly surrender stolen goods to the police.
The Police chief said whoever return those items willingly Will be pardon.
He called on members of the public to volunteer information to the police to enable it arrest the run away suspects.
For transparency, include us in disbursement c’ttee – Owners of looted businesses
Owner of the looted businesses in a meeting with the Governor, late October, asked him to include some of their members in the disbursement committee to ensure coordination and transparency.
Ahmed Lawal Ahmed, speaking on behalf of the business owners during the meeting appreciated the government’s prompt intervention, adding that its intention to make fund available for them is a strategic move to restore their glory.
