The Kebbi state government Thursday disbursed N150 million to 164 persons as compensation for land acquired to construct a new cemetery at Unguwar Dembo, in the outskirts of Birnin Kebbi.
Cheques for money accruing to peculiar beneficiary were presented to them at the office of the district head of Birnin Kebbi, Ubandoman Gwandu, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Ibrahim.
The chairman of Birnin Kebbi local government, Alhaji Muhammad Dahiru Nayaya Ambursa, who performed the ceremony, said Governor Nasir Idris, gave the approval for the construction of a new cemetery after report was made to him that the present site at Dukku in the state capital is almost exhausted.
“Just within four days after he learnt about the development, Governor Idris mandated Birnin Kebbi local government, Gwandu Emirate as well as the Ministries of Lands and Finance, to go and inspect the new site proposed for a new graveyard 8 years ago.
“The governor ordered that compensation must be paid to all those whose lands were acquired for the cemetery while work should start in earnest.
“He also directed that two solar powered boreholes be sunk in the new site while 25 solar lightings should also be installed.
“Death is an inevitable end to any mortal, but our governor as a highly religious personality, compassionate, a leader of justice and fairness, mandated that any person whose land is acquired for the project should receive money as compensation.
“We are grateful to God for bestowing such kindhearted personality on us to steer the affairs of the state, ” Nayaya Ambursa said.
The permanent secretary, Ministry of Lands and Housing, Dr. Abubakar Ahmad, announced that a holistic assessment was carried out on the land acquired prior to inventory of the landowners as directed by Governor Idris who gave approval for the acquisition of another site for a new cemetery.
