Urhobo leaders, under the umbrella of the Urhobo Leadership Forum (ULF), have urged the Delta State Government and relevant agencies to establish camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Okuama community. This call comes in the wake of the destruction of Okuama, a community in the Ewu-Urhobo kingdom, Ughelli South council area, following the killing of 17 Army officers and soldiers on March 14.
After the brutal incident, residents of Okuama sought refuge in the bushes and nearby communities, fearing retribution as soldiers searched for the killers of their colleagues. In a statement issued by Olorogun (Dr.) Peter Igho, President, and Mr. Robert Itawa, General Secretary, the ULF condemned the killings as a "horror of murders" and offered condolences to the bereaved families.
The ULF expressed concern over the ongoing impact of the March 14 incident on the people of Okuama and neighboring communities. While acknowledging the release of the monarch of Ewu kingdom, HRM Clement Ukolo Urhukpe I, after three weeks in military detention, and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's visit to the troubled community as positive steps, the ULF emphasized the urgent need for the displaced residents to return home.
The forum called for the immediate establishment of structures and IDP camps for the displaced families, particularly women and children. It emphasized the Urhobo people's commitment to peace and equity and urged for a diligent approach in resolving the Okuama crisis.
Governor Oborevwori has initiated help for the community by setting up an IDP management committee chaired by Abraham Ogbodo, former Editor of the Guardian newspaper. During a meeting with the Ovie of Ewu kingdom and his wife at the Government House in Asaba, the governor urged the monarch to unite his subjects in the face of the crisis.
