Python Dance: Low Turn out Mars Military Medical Outreach in Ebonyi

Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki

Following the clampdown and alleged killing of members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Abia State, the free medical outreach launched by the military in Abakaliki witnessed abysmal low turn out of people who were supposed to come for medical attention.

THISDAY gathered that seven communities of Abakaliki Local Government Area of the state but only those within Nkwagu Military Cantonment attended the exercise as the low turnout was blamed on the recent clampdown and alleged killing of IPOB members by the military in Abia State.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, who stated that the exercise was meant to foster military-civil relationship within the zone, thanked the Ebonyi State government for its reception and hospitality throughout his stay in the state.

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kelechi Igwe, thanked the military for its initiative aimed at meeting the health needs of Ebonyi people.
He praised the military for protecting the territorial integrity of the country and pledged that the state would continue to support the military for the sustainability of peace and unity of the nation.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Abakaliki Local Government Area of the state, Hon. Emmanuel Nwangele, who expressed astonishment at the gesture of the military noted that he would use his office to further disseminate and create awareness about the free medical care so that communities within the local government area would immediately join the exercise.

“We thank the military for initiating the programme. People least expected the military to be passionate as the people were sceptical that the military is for us. I will go to the communities, market places among others to tell our people to rush down here that there is goodies for them. Everything is free of charge.

“People are afraid following what is happening in the society. They have never seen the army carrying out such gesture.”