Victims of the Circular Road demolition in Ona-Ara Local Government Area have appealed to the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde to expedite the payment of compensation approved for affected property owners.
Speaking on behalf of the affected residents, one of the leaders of the Omission Group, Engr. Jimoh Ahmed, urged the governor to intensify efforts towards the disbursement of the compensation, noting that the prolonged wait had taken a toll on many victims.
According to him, some affected residents have fallen ill, with others reportedly died while awaiting the payment of compensation.
While lauding the Governor for approving compensation, particularly for houses demolished in 2023, Ahmed also appreciated the former Commissioner of Police and Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Sunday Odukoya (Rtd), for consistently attending to the concerns of the victims anytime they visited the State Secretariat.
He explained that the recent peaceful protest by some victims was triggered by rumours that compensation had already been paid.
The leader of the group however called for understanding over the incident and reaffirmed the group’s support for the state government, expressing optimism that the compensation would soon be paid.
He however pledged that beneficiaries would return to appreciate the governor after receiving their entitlements.
