Oborevwori tells Okuama people: you can return home now as the army withdraws

•Praises President Tinubu

•Delta villages claim to be overrun by kidnappers

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

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

According to him, the directive came after many deliberations and collaborations between the state government and the military leadership and the determination of the Nigerian Army to withdraw its officers and men from Okuama.

He therefore expressed his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Military High Command for the withdrawal of troops from the restive Okuama community.

But villages in Ika North East and Ika South Local Government Areas have lamented the increase in kidnappings in their territories, noting that they can no longer visit their farms out of fear.

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 Taoreed Lagbaja on Monday and that the military had withdrawn from Okuama with effect from May 8, 2024.

“With this development, the people of Okuama can now safely return to their homes and begin the process of reintegration and reconstruction of their homes,” he said.

Oborevwori expressed his gratitude to the President, Bola Tinubu, the COAS and the hierarchy of the Nigerian Army for their understanding and cooperation.

“During my contacts with them, they showed the highest level of concern and concern for the plight of the displaced people. “To God be the glory that we have reached an amicable resolution,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation to the members of the National Assembly, Nigerians, traditional rulers and other thinkers who supported Delta during its tribulations, adding: “Your words of encouragement and prayers are greatly appreciated.”

The Governor assured all Deltans and residents of the state that his administration is irrevocably committed to greater peace and security in the state as encapsulated in his MORE agenda.

“It is also pertinent to point out that security issues are better handled with tact, wisdom and patience; it is not intended to be a topic of daily discussion in the media, as some would have liked.

“As the people of Okuama begin 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.

THIS DAY concluded that the military withdrew from the community on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Delta communities in a statement by the Secretary General of the International Law Association, Nigeria Branch, Mr. Clement Osuya, regretted that those living in Boji Boji Owa and Agbor in Ika South Local Government Area of ​​Delta State, along with the neighboring villages faced a serious humanitarian crisis.

While urging the government and security agencies of Delta State to come to their rescue, the communities said the situation has become very dire as the kidnappers were not only kidnapping individuals but also killing families who could not pay the ransom .

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

“The situation has become very dire as the kidnappers are not only kidnapping individuals but also killing families who cannot pay the ransom.

“This has created a deep sense of fear and uncertainty among local residents, forcing them to abandon their farms and restrict their movements.

“As a result, agricultural productivity and economic activities in the region have drastically declined, leading to a severe food shortage and a potential humanitarian crisis,” the report said.