…Donate Food Items To IDP,
…Demand Resettlement Of Indigenes
Traditional rulers of Urhobo ethnic nationality on Thursday paid a solidarity visit to ruined Okuama community in Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom of Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
It was the first time the royal fathers will be visiting the community after Nigerian soldiers brought the town down following the gruesome killing of 17 military personnel by unknown gunmen around the community on Thursday March 14, 2024.
The delegation was led by the Chairman of Ukoko r’ Ivie r’ Urhobo, (Urhobo Council of Traditional Rulers) and Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM (Dr.) Emmanuel E. Sideso, Abe 1, with the revered Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and Delta State Chairman of Traditional Rulers Council, HRM, Orhue I, General Mujakpero (rtd) in attendance.
Other kings in the delegation were the Ovie of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, HRM Urhukpe 1; Ovie of Arhavwarien Kingdom, HRM Okukeren III; Ovie of Agbarha Kingdom, HRM Okorefe I; Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom, HRM Owahwa II and the President-General of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Barr Ese Gam.
The traditional rulers at the visit called on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State to rebuild Okuama community destroyed by the soldiers in retaliation for the slain colleagues.
The monarchs also visited the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp with huge relief materials promising to facilitate their early return and rebuilding of their ancestral homes.
They also vowed to ensure the sustenance of the age-long brotherly relationship between the Urhobos and the Ijaws, stressing that the Okuama community found themselves in unimaginable hardship and sufferings due the unfortunate circumstances that had befallen them.
“Our visit today serves as a symbol of unity, love and support for our brothers and sisters in the Okuama community. Let us continue to work together to build a brighter future for all Nigerians, where no man is left behind or forgotten” the monarch said
He commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his government for the establishment of the IDP camp to bring succor to the suffering Okuma people and that the on-the-sport assessment of the situation had convinced the Urhobo leaders that the state government needed to do more particularly in re-settling of the Okuama people in their ancestral home.
HRM Abi 1 recalled the unfortunate incident which led to the loss of 17 gallant Nigeria Army officers/men and commiserate with their families and love ones they left behind.
The Orodje of Okpe who also spoke on the occasion warned the IDPs to be aware of the outbreak of cholera in the country and must maintain high sanitation and hygiene conditions in the camps.
They expressed sadness over the poor water supply situation in the IDP camp despite the huge money they provided for sinking a of borehole
In a nine-point demand presented to the visiting Urhobo leaders, by Amb. Pastor Edewor Egedegbe and Hon. Chief Belvis Adogbothe for Okuama and Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom Development Forum read, “The government at all levels and security agencies should join hand to resettle Okuama people back to their ancestral home as soon as possible.
“We ask for provision of more humanitarian welfare needs of the people, to help in their daily sustenance.
“We appeal to the State Governor Rt. Hon. Sherriff Oborevwori, to use his good offices to establish the boundary between Okuama and Okoloba Communities, as this is the bone of contention.
“We appeal for provision of security to Okuama community and her people travelling through the river forcardos and Ewu River as it has become a great challenge for our People to travel through the river since January 2024, till date.”
