KANO (AP) The Nigerian government gave nearly $200,000 (30 million Naira) to families of slain polio vaccinators Thursday, after rights groups across the country called for reparations for victims of suspected Islamic militants.
The 10 health workers were killed in February as they were preparing to visit homes in the northern city of Kano to vaccinate children for polio. The family of each victim was given a check for 3 million Naira.
Islamic extremists in northern Nigeria often preach against polio vaccinations, saying they are part of a Western plot to sterilize Muslims.
After four years of insurgency in northern Nigeria, activists last week threatened to sue the government under international human rights treaties for compensation for victims.
