According to the report from the Vanguard, On Thursday, the Ukoko r’ Ivie r’ Urhobo (Urhobo Council of Traditional Rulers) and the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) leadership visited the demolished Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. This solidarity visit included the donation of significant relief materials.
The leaders called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to assist the Delta State Government in rebuilding Okuama community.
The delegation, led by HRM (Dr.) Emmanuel E. Sideso, Abe 1, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, included HRM Orhue I, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council; HRM Okukeren III, Ovie of Arhavwarien Kingdom; HRM Okorefe I, Ovie of Agbarha Kingdom; HRM Owahwa II, Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom; Barr Ese Gam, UPU President General; and others.
The Urhobo leaders donated rice, beans, garri, vegetable oil, noodles, toiletries, and other items worth several million Naira.
Addressing the community, Abe 1 said, "Today, we stand before you with heavy hearts as we witness the plight of our brothers and sisters from the Okuama community who have found themselves in the midst of unimaginable hardship and suffering due to the unfortunate circumstances that have befallen them. As representatives of the Urhobo Nation, it is our solemn duty to extend a helping hand and show our unwavering support to those in need at this particular time. We have gathered here today not as rulers or leaders, but as compassionate human beings who are united in our desire to alleviate the sufferings of our fellow Urhobo kindreds."
Abe 1 continued, "The Okuama people have faced immense challenges and have shown incredible resilience in the face of adversity. Their strength and courage inspire us to come together and offer whatever assistance we can provide. As we enter the IDP camp occupied by the Okuama people, we bring some relief materials such as food and water, but also a message of hope, solidarity, and compassion. We understand the importance of standing together in times of crisis, regardless of our differences or background. Let us remember that we are all part of the same human family, bound by the ties of empathy and compassion. Let us extend a helping hand to those in need, not out of charity, but out of a deep sense of shared humanity and responsibility."
He further highlighted, "We need not refresh our memories of the unfortunate incident that chased Okuama people from their ancestral home into the bush and lately into the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Ewu-Urhobo in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State. We use this opportunity to appreciate His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff F. O. Oborevwori, the Governor of Delta State and his government for the establishment of this IDP camp to bring succor to the sufferings of the people of Okuama."
The delegation also proceeded to Okuama village for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation. Abe 1 emphasized, "Seeing is believing is a popular adage of our people. We urge the Delta State Government to do more, particularly in the reconstruction efforts. It is obvious that the people will be more relaxed and forget the trauma of the past early when they are on their homeland. The IDP camp is a stop-gap arrangement and it should remain so. We, once again, restate our call to the Federal Government of Nigeria to assist the Delta State Government in the rebuilding of the Okuama community."
He also paid tribute to the 17 Nigerian Army officers and men who lost their lives in the Okuama Okoloba incident, saying, "While we continue to commiserate with their families and loved ones they left behind, we pray continuously for the repose of their souls, in Jesus' name. Amen! May the souls of all the departed rest in peace, Amen."
Chief Belvis Adugbo, on behalf of the Okuama people, expressed gratitude to the Urhobo kings and leaders, and appealed for support in rebuilding the community.
The kings and UPU leaders were met with singing and dancing by the joyful women of Okuama, who appreciated the love and solidarity shown by the visit. The Urhobo leaders expressed shock at the level of destruction in the community but assured continued support for their resettlement.