Oborevwori Tells Okuama People: You Can Now Return to Home as Military Pulls Out

•Commends President Tinubu 

•Delta villages allege being overrun by kidnappers

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, directed the people of Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government to return to their homes

The directive, according to him, was after many deliberations and collaborations between the state government and the military leadership and the resolve of the Nigerian Army to withdraw its officers and men from Okuama.

He, therefore, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the military high command on the withdrawal of troops from the troubled Okuama community.

But villages in Ika North East and Ika South Local Government Areas of the state have lamented the rise in cases of kidnappings within their territories, noting that they could no longer visit their farms owing to fear.

Oborevwori, in a statement yesterday stated that he spoke with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja on Monday and that, as of 8 of May, 2024, the military had withdrawn from Okuama.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,” he said.

Oborevwori expressed gratitude to the President, Bola Tinubu, the COAS, 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,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation to the members of the National Assembly, Nigerians, traditional rulers, and other leaders of thought who stood with Delta during her travails, adding: “Your words of encouragement and prayers are greatly appreciated.”

The governor assured all Deltans and residents in the state that his administration was irrevocably committed to enhanced peace and security in the state as contained in his 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 discuss 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,” he assured.

THISDAY gathered that the military pulled out of the community on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Delta communities, in a statement by the Secretary General of the International Law Association, Nigeria Branch, Mr. Clement Osuya, lamented that those living in Boji Boji Owa and Agbor in Ika South local government area of Delta State, along with the neighbouring villages were facing a dire humanitarian crisis.

While urging the Delta State government and security agencies to come to their rescue, the communities said the situation, has become highly dire, as kidnappers were not only abducting individuals, but also murdering families that were unable to pay the ransom.

“These areas have been overrun by a wave of kidnappers who are causing terror among the citizens by breaking into their homes, carrying out abductions, and committing violent crimes.

“The situation has become highly dire, as the kidnappers are not only abducting individuals but also murdering families who are unable to pay the ransom.

“This has caused the local residents a deep sense of fear and insecurity, compelling them to abandon their farms and restrict their movements.

“Consequently, agricultural productivity and economic activities in the region have drastically decreased, resulting in a severe food shortage and a possible humanitarian crisis,” it stated.