The Bomb Victims Association of Nigeria (BVAN) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to open up an inquiry into the status of the Victims Support Fund established in July 2014 and ascertain the whereabouts of the about N58 billion raised for the support of bomb victims.

The association said the inquiry became necessary as victims of bomb blasts who should be the beneficiaries of the fund cannot ascertain the true position of the fund.

Speaking yesterday in Abuja, chairman of the group, Olatunji, Kayode Oladele said as a result of prolonged neglect of the victims of the bomb blasts across Northern Nigeria, some of those who initially survived the bombings have died, many due to little or no medical care and others as a result of their inability to continue with their medical bills or further their treatment here in Nigeria or abroad.

It would be recalled that former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, had last year constituted a Committee on Victims Support Fund to mobilise resources and administer appropriate support to victims of insurgency and Boko Haram terror activities all over the country. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma is the chairman of the committee.

During the launching ceremony of the fund, Jonathan hosted a glamorous fundraising dinner at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The event was televised on the national broadcaster. At the dinner, Jonathan, who personally served as the Master of Ceremony, invited many prominent business people to make their pledges public.

After the ceremony, a statement, issued by Jonathan’s special adviser on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, said a total of N58.79 billion was realised, the sum exceeded the initial target of N50 billion by N8.79 billion.

Many of them pledged huge sums of money: Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, mobile telecoms billionaire.

Mike Adenuga, and Zenith Bank founder, Jim Ovia, publicly pledged $6.2 million to the Fund. Alakija, Indimi and Rabiu each pledged $3 million while General Danjuma pledged $10 million. About $400 million was raised at the end of the evening.

 He gave instance of a victim named Hope Musa, a survivor of June 26th 2014 EMAB plaza bomb blast and a founding member of the Bomb Victims Association of Nigeria who died two weeks ago due to injuries sustained from the blast, as he could not afford to further his treatment for a neurosurgical operation abroad.

 He said there is need for the president to ascertain if the funds had been disbursed, that those members of the committee give an account on such disbursement, also furnishing such details as whom the funds were spent on and the criteria with which such were chosen.

 He said, “That a framework be set up to make this fund available to real victims of bomb blast many of whom are in dire need of medical attention and means of livelihood.

 “That the Bomb Victims Association, which has as its members actual victims of bomb blasts, be included in the committee of the Victims support

 It would be recalled that former President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, had last year constituted a Committee on Victims Support Fund to mobilize resources and administer appropriate support to victims of insurgency and Bokoharam terror activities all over the country. Rtd. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma chairs this committee.

 Oladele said “many of the victims have lost their lives as a result of government negligence and neglect, many which initially survived the bombing,died months later for inability to cope with exorbitant medical bills,which the Federal Government promised to clear at every bomb blast that occurred.”

The association urged President Buhari to expedites efforts and strategies towards stopping the insurgents and their terror attacks.

http://leadership.ng/news/448947/bomb-blast-victims-demand-inquiry-into-n58bn-victims-fund

Many pple don't deserve to exist. How can a man with conscience ever think of embezzling the funds meant to take care of bomb blast victims?

Naija which way?

Bomb victims of Nigeria When this joke start nah Bia what is the criteria of joining since this one nah sure way to make cheedah... Kia this country don finish be that nah... Know that the bombing no go end be that till further notice... Make una wise up... Where are thou oh ye youths of Naija

Theophilus Danjuma is APC and Buhari supporter....so it's easy for them...

Is the Oladele guy a bomb victim...and speaking from abuja?...So does bomb victims register with him through which means?...