By Jemimah Wellington, JKNMedia Reporter
DELTA State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has emphasized the critical nature of Nigeria’s security challenges during a meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Defence.
He pinpoints the persistent threats to the nation’s sovereignty posed by insurgents and bandits across the country.
Speaking at the Government House in Asaba, the governor highlighted the establishment of an Ad-hoc Committee to address humanitarian concerns stemming from the crisis in Okuama community.
He reassured citizens that efforts were underway to rehabilitate those affected by the turmoil, acknowledging assurances from President Bola Tinubu and the Army high command regarding the protection of innocent citizens in the embattled community.
Chairman of the House Committee on Defense, Hon. Babajimi Benson condemned the violence that led to the loss of 17 military personnel in Okuama community, urging the military to facilitate the safe return of civilians to the area and appealed for assistance in rebuilding the town.
Benson also emphasized the committee’s aim to resolve the crisis amicably without victimizing any party involved.
Oborevwori’s meeting with the Ewu-Urhobo monarch, HRH Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo, focused on fostering unity within the kingdom, as he congratulated him on his release from the military custody and urged him to prioritize community cohesion to ensure sustainable peace and development.
The governor also assured the monarch of ongoing efforts to resettle displaced persons from Okuama back to their community.
The Ewu-Urhobo monarch, accompanied by members of the Delta State Traditional Council, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, Gov Oborevwori, former Gov. Ifeanyi Okoma, and others for their efforts in securing his release.
He disavowed any involvement in the tragic events at Okuama and called for peace and unity among his people and throughout the state.
The Orodje of Okpe kingdom echoed the call for peace, emphasizing the collective responsibility of traditional rulers to promote harmony and development in the state.
Moving forward, Governor Oborevwori has taken a significant step towards providing relief for the displaced residents of Okuama community by inaugurating an Internal Displaced Persons (IDP) Management Committee led by veteran journalist, Mr. Abraham Ogbodo as Chairman and Chief Austin Emaduku as Secretary, the committee comprised distinguished individuals including Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, Hon Festus Atama, and others.
During the inauguration, Oborevwori emphasized the urgency of planning and coordination the resettlement and rehabilitation efforts for the citizens of Okuama as he condemned the tragic incident and expressed determination to alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians who have been displaced and lost their homes and properties.
The governor reiterated the collective commitment of the government, military and stakeholders to ensure the innocent residents are not subjected to undue hardships and charged the committee with the responsibility of facilitating the prompt return of these individuals to their homes and implementing measures to support their reintegration into the community.
Committee chairman, in his response, Abraham Ogbodo, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pledged to fulfill their duties with transparency, thoroughness and selflessness, and assured the governor with the people of Delta state that they would work diligently to address the humanitarian crisis in Okuama and provide the necessary assistance to those in need.
Oborevwori noted that with the inauguration of the IDP Management Committee, hopes are high that meaningful progress will be made towards restoring normalcy and stability to Okuama community, especially for the displaced residents.
