Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has initiated significant aids to alleviate the suffering of victims impacted by the recent military intervention in the Okuama-Ewu community. Establishing an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Management Committee, chaired by former Editor of The Guardian newspaper and Urhobo leader, Mr. Abraham Ogbodo, reflects a proactive stance in addressing the crisis head-on.
However, criticisms arose regarding Governor Oborevwori’s failure to publicly denounce the military’s actions during his visit to the community on April 20. Despite condemning the killing of soldiers, there was a perception that he should have acknowledged the destruction caused by the military, which left residents displaced and seeking refuge in the forests.
During the committee’s inauguration, Governor Oborevwori stressed the imperative of minimizing the suffering of innocent residents and outlined comprehensive plans for their resettlement and rehabilitation. He urged committee members to act swiftly and transparently, prioritizing the community’s return to normalcy.
Governor Oborevwori also engaged with the monarch of Ewu Kingdom to discuss the imminent opening of an IDP camp and the eventual repatriation of residents to their community. Assurances were made to address humanitarian concerns and foster peace throughout the state.
Despite these efforts, residents persist in enduring hardships, with reports of fatalities and distress in the forests due to insufficient relief and medical aid. The devastation wrought upon homes and infrastructure by the military exacerbates their plight, with uncertainty clouding the community’s reconstruction.
As initiatives progress to establish an IDP camp and extend aid to the displaced, questions loom over the federal government’s role in rebuilding Okuama-Ewu. Governor Oborevwori’s administration endeavors to collaborate with pertinent stakeholders to expedite the resettlement and rehabilitation process, ensuring a prompt return to normalcy for affected residents.
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