After occupying the sleepy community of Okuama in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta for about 51 days over the killing of 17 officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, troops laying siege on the troubled community have pulled out.
Recall that the troops occupied the community after the gruesome killing of the 17 military personnel who were purportedly on an ill-fated peace mission to the community which has been at loggerheads with Okoloba community in Bomadi Local Government Area of the state over a piece of land.
It was gathered from residents of neighbouring Okoloba and Akugbene communities that the soldiers were seen moving out with their hardware on Tuesday, May 7 after receiving instructions from their top hierarchy.
Meanwhile, the Delta State governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the military high command over the withdrawal of troops from the troubled Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Oborevwori, at a media briefing on Wednesday, said that with the withdrawal of the troops, the people of Okuama could safely return to their ancestral homes and begin the process of reintegration and rebuilding their homes and community.
“My dear good people of Delta State, 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 Taoreed Lagbaja on Monday, 6th of May, and as of today, 8th of May, 2024, the military has withdrawn from Okuama.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 Chief of Army Staff, 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,” Oborevwori enthused.
Governor Oborevwori also commended members of the National Assembly, other distinguished Nigerians, traditional rulers, and other leaders of thought who stood by the state throughout the Okuama saga.
He said: “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 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 victims of the Okuama incident.”
However, efforts made by our correspondent to reach out to the public relations officer of the 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Asaba, Major Onoja were not successful as he did his calls.
