BY RITA OYIBOKA
Months after the violent communal clash that devastated the Okuama community, the traditional ruler of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, HRM Clement Ikolo, has revealed that displaced residents are expected to start returning home soon.
In an interview with The Pointer, the monarch confirmed that the situation in Okuama has calmed down, noting the collaboration between the state government led by Governor Rt. Hon Sherriff Oborevwori, and the Urhobo traditional rulers to rebuild the community. In his words: “Block works (building) are currently ongoing, which is a positive sign that things are moving in the right direction. The Urhobo traditional rulers have a specific plan to construct a community hall in Okuama.
“The state government has also stepped up by awarding contracts for the rebuilding of essential public infrastructure, including the school and the hospital,” he said.
While noting that the situation in the internally displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp remains challenging, the monarch reported that food distribution has become more organized.
Speaking further, the HRM Ikolo expressed hope that the displaced residents will begin returning to their homes by December 2024. “The return to freedom and normalcy is something we all yearn for, but it’s a process that cannot be rushed. The state government is actively working on creating the conditions necessary for people to safely return to Okuama, but there is no definitive timeline yet.
“However, we remain hopeful that by December this year, there will be significant progress, and we will begin to see people relocating back to their homes,” the monarch said.
HRM Ikolo also underscored the necessity of justice for the victims and the accountability of the perpetrators involved in the violence, saying, “Justice is something that we are all praying for.
‘’The loss of innocent lives in such a brutal manner is something that no community should have to endure, and those responsible must be held accountable.”
