BY AMBROSE OLOGIDE
Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council and the leadership of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) have appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and President Bola Tinubu to rehabilitate the Okuama people.
This was contained in the address read by the Chairman of Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council and the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM (Dr) Emmanuel Sideso at the Okuama Internally Displaced Persons Camp (IDP) in Ughelli South Local Government Area.
The monarch, who noted that IDP Camp was alien to Urhobo culture, said “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 camp”.
The royal fathers also commiserated with the Nigerian Army over the loss of 17 officers and soldiers as well as innocent Okuama people, who also died in the bloody Okuama/Okoloba crisis.”
“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 amid unimaginable hardship and suffering due to the unfortunate circumstances that have befallen them. “The Okuama people have faced immense challenges and have shown credible resilience in the face of adversity. Their strength and courage inspire us to come together and offer whatever assistance we can provide.
“We bring some relief materials such as food and water but also a message of hope, solidarity and companionship. We understand the importance of standing together in times of crisis, regardless of our differences or backgrounds.
He, however, praised Governor Oborevwori for the establishment of the IDP Camp which he noted had brought succour to the people of Okuama.
The Chairman of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Major General Felix Mujakeruo, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, advised that the management and people in the Okuama IDP Camp should maintain a hygienic environment to avoid the outbreak of cholera.
The Ovie of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, HRM Clement Ikolo, in his speech, appreciated and commended the traditional rulers and UPU for the gesture. The Secretary of the IDP Camp, Austin Emaduku also appreciated the traditional rulers and UPU for their show of love for the people in the camp as he promised that the items donated would be utilized.
Representatives of the community, who spoke, expressed delight over the visit as they noted that it gave them to have a sense of belonging in the Urhobo Nation.
