Yobe Emergency Management Agency on Saturday disbursed N61.8 million to 87 traders who lost their properties to insurgency and fire outbreaks.

The Executive Secretary of the agency, Alhaji Musa Isa while disbursing the money in Damaturu, said 87 persons affected by fire disasters and insurgency attacks in 2014 and early this year benefited from the assistance.

He said the assistance was intended to provide succour to victims of the disaster to re-engage in their trades.

``This is not a compensation but an assistance from the state government."

Musa advised other victims and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to be wary of fraudsters selling forms purportedly issued by SEMA for similar assistance.

``SEMA has a procedure and a working collaboration with community leaders on the mode of collecting data of victims and providing assistance to them.

``The agency did not issue out forms for any assistance; the fraudsters are taking advantage of the victims by selling useless forms that has no purpose," he cautioned. Chairman, Damaturu Local Government Council, Alhaji Muhammadu Kalli advised beneficiaries to invest wisely into their businesses.

Umar Adamu, a beneficiary, said he would use the money to offset the loan he secured to restart his business after the attack.

Chairman, Yobe Traders Association, Alhaji Usman Muazu, described the assistance as a resurrection for the devastated members of the association, who lost means of livelihood.

He appealed to the agency to also assist other victims in Giedam, Tarmuwa, Fika and Gujba.(NAN)

Photo shows: Yobe Gov