By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
RESIDENTS and indigenes of the troubled Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State can now return to their ruined ancestral home as troops of the Nigerian Army have reportedly pulled out after 51 days of siege.
The sleepy riverine community slipped into the error of ruins after 17 officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, supposedly on a peace mission, met their Waterloo in the hands of marauders whose identities are yet to be unmasked.
Angered by the gruesome loss of their gallant men supposedly to militant youths, troops invaded the community, levelling everything on their way and laying siege on the community for over 51 days.
Unconfirmed reports said but for an orthodox church and a school building, every other structure in the community was levelled to the ground by the angry troops.
Okuama community was said to have been at loggerheads with the Okoloba community in the Bomadi Local Government Area of the state over a piece of land – the genesis of the tragedy.
Stonix News gathered from residents of neighbouring Okoloba and Akugbene communities that the soldiers were seen moving out with their hardware on Tuesday, May 7 after receiving instructions from their top hierarchy.
Confirming the withdrawal of the troops from Okuama, Delta State governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the military high command over the withdrawal of troops from the troubled community.
Governor Oborevwori, at a media briefing on Wednesday, said that with the withdrawal of the troops, the people of Okuama could safely return to their ruins and woes while they begin the reconstruction, rehabilitation and reintegration of the community and people.
“My dear good people of Delta State, I have the pleasure to announce to you that, upon many deliberations and collaborations between the state government and the military leadership, the Nigerian Army has agreed to withdraw its officers and men from Okuama.
“I spoke with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja on Monday, 6th of May, and as of today, 8th of May, 2024, the military has withdrawn from Okuama.
“With this development, the people of Okuama can now safely return to their homes and begin the process of reintegration and rebuilding their homes.
“I want to express my deep and profound gratitude to Mr. President, the Chief of Army Staff, and the hierarchy of the Nigerian Army for their understanding and cooperation.
“In my engagements with them, they demonstrated the highest level of concern and care for the plight of the displaced persons. To God be the glory that we have achieved an amicable resolution,” Oborevwori enthused.
Governor Oborevwori also commended members of the National Assembly, other distinguished Nigerians, traditional rulers and other leaders of thought who stood by the state throughout the Okuama saga.
He said: “Let me assure all Deltans and residents in the state that this administration is irrevocably committed to enhanced peace and security in the state as contained in our MORE agenda.
“It is also pertinent to point out that matters of security are better handled with tact, wisdom and patience; it is not meant to be a subject of daily media discourse as some would have wanted.
“As the people of Okuama start the process of returning to their homes, I pledge the commitment of the Delta State Government to make that process smooth and seamless.
“After a personal assessment of the community on 20th of April, 2024, we have since commenced setting up an Internally Displaced Persons camp at Ewu to serve as a transition to aid their rehabilitation.
“We shall render all the necessary assistance they need to enable them to settle down quickly and joyfully in Okuama.
“It is my prayer and belief that NEVER AGAIN would Delta experience the kind of tragedy that happened in Okuama. Security, as we all know, is a shared responsibility.
“So, we will continue to count on the support and cooperation of every citizen to ensure that our state remains safe and peaceful.
“Once again, I commiserate with the families of victims of the Okuama incident.”
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