Urhobo Association of Washington DC in United States has donated relief materials to displaced residents of Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta state with a call of government to hasten the rebuilding of the community destroyed by the military over March killing of 17 soldiers.
At the community Thursday to deliver various food items and toiletries, the group, touched by the plight of the homeless residents, also expressed sadness over death of two community leaders in military detention, calling for release of those still being held.
Items the group presented to the people included bags of rice, beans, groundnut oil, salt, tomato paste, seasoning cubes, noodles, several yam tubers, toothpaste and toiletries including detergents, bath and bar soaps.
Dr. Festus Sowho, President of the body, in his message to the community stated that the Association, “Express our deepest sympathies and solidarity with you during this difficult time.
“We have been following the unfortunate events that unfolded in your community and are deeply saddened by the pain, displacement, and hardship caused by the recent military operations.
“We cannot begin to imagine the trauma and challenges you have endured. Your suffering has not gone unnoticed, and our hearts ache for the loss of lives, the destruction of homes, and the hardships faced by so many families.
“We feel your pain as though it were our own and want you to know that you are not alone in this struggle. It is this shared sense of pain and responsibility that has motivated the Urhobo Association of Washington DC to act.
“As a token of our unwavering support, we have come together to donate food items to help alleviate some of the burdens your community is facing.
“While no amount of aid can undo the suffering you have experienced, we hope this gesture will provide some relief and remind you of the unity and love that binds us as one people.
“We stand with you, not only in this moment of crisis but also as you work towards healing and rebuilding your community. Please know that we are committed to advocating for justice, peace, and the well-being of all Urhobo communities.”
“May you find strength in one another and hope in the knowledge that your struggles are seen and shared by Urhobo sons and daughters around the world.”
On the reported death of two Okuama leaders in military detention, Sowho said, “It is a such a sad commentary, even for us who are away from home. While the damage cannot be undone, we urge the authorities to release the remaining detainees still in the military custody.”
On efforts at resettlement and rehabilitation for the Okuama people, he said, “With what we saw on ground, the paste of work on four ongoing building projects is not encouraging. We appeal to the local, state and federal governments for speedy interventions.
“Okuama people can’t live in the Ewu IDP Camp indefinitely. This farming season, we were told many have left the camp to the destroyed community to engage in their major livelihoods of fishing and planting for harvest to sustain their lives. Right now the living conditions are unbearable.”
