Army Withdraws From Okuama Community

The Nigerian Army has pulled out of the Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, announced the withdrawal of soldiers from Okuama community in a post via his verified Facebook account on Wednesday.

Recall that on March 14, 2024, 17 military personnel were murdered in cold blood in Okuama community and the military took over the community following the killing.

According to the governor, the people of Okuoma community can safely return to their homes and begin the process of reintegration and rebuilding their homes.

The governor expressed his deep and profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja and the hierarchy of the Nigerian Army for their understanding and cooperation.

Oborevwori said his government will render all the necessary assistance they need to enable them to settle down quickly and joyfully in Okuama.

He wrote, “I have the pleasure to announce to you that upon many deliberations and collaborations between the state government and the military leadership, the Nigerian Army has agreed to withdraw its officers and men from Okuama. 

“I spoke with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja on Monday, 6th of May, and as at today, 8th of May, 2024, the military has withdrawn from Okuama. With this development, the people of Okuama can now safely return to their homes and begin the process of reintegration and rebuilding their homes.

“I want to express my deep and profound gratitude to Mr. President, the COAS, and the hierarchy of the Nigerian Army for their understanding and cooperation. In my engagements with them, they demonstrated the highest level of concern and care for the plight of the displaced persons.

“To God be the glory that we have achieved an amicable resolution. I also extend my gratitude to members of the National Assembly, distinguished Nigerians, our traditional rulers, and other leaders of thought who stood with us in our travails. Your words of encouragement and prayers are greatly appreciated.

“Let me assure all Deltans and residents in the state that this administration is irrevocably committed to enhanced peace and security in the state as contained in our MORE agenda. It is also pertinent to point out that matters of security are better handled with tact, wisdom, and patience; it is not meant to be a subject of daily media discourse as some would have wanted.

“As the people of Okuama start the process of returning to their homes, I pledge the commitment of the Delta State Government to make that process smooth and seamless. After a personal assessment of the community on the 20th of April, 2024, we have since commenced setting up an Internally Displaced Persons camp at Ewu to serve as a transition to aid their rehabilitation. 

“We shall render all the necessary assistance they need to enable them to settle down quickly and joyfully in Okuama. It is my prayer and belief that never again would Delta experience the kind of tragedy that happened in Okuama.

“Security, as we all know, is a shared responsibility. So, we will continue to count on the support and cooperation of every citizen to ensure that our state remains safe and peaceful. Once again, I commiserate with the families of the victims of the Okuama incident. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless Delta State. God bless us all.”