…urges Govt to initiate plan for resettlement of Okuama in ancestral land

The Ukoko ‘R Ivie R’ Urhobo (Council of Urhobo Traditional Rulers) and Urhobo Progress Union(UPU) Executives visited the devastated Okuama-Ewu and 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

HRM Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso, Abe !, JP. OON, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom and Ukoko R’Ivie Chairman who led other Urhobo leaders such as the Orodje of Okpe, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), Chairman, Delta Traditional Rulers council, UPU President-General, Chief Ese Gam Owe and some members of their executives said the Okuama people would forget the trauma of the past early when they return soonest to their ancestral home

“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 Sideso 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 Pst. Edewor Egedegbe and Hon. Chief Belvis Adogbothe for Okuama and Ewu-Urhobo Clan Development Forum they said;

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.