According to Vanguard, Okuama-Ewu community refugees in Delta State’s Ughelli South Local Government Area have renounced their previous plan to return in large numbers to their native country. CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
The decision was made in response to the March 14 massacre of 17 military men in Okuama-Ewu, which sent the locals into hiding in the jungles, fearing that the army would retaliate. 52 days have passed, and the Army is still in control of the neighborhood.
Initially, the refugees had vowed to return to Okuama-Ewu rather than relocate to the Ewu IDP camp, expressing concerns about their safety in the face of ongoing military presence. However, following discussions between the IDP Camp management committee and selected leaders of Okuama-Ewu, the refugees have reconsidered their stance.
A leader of the Okuama-Ewu community stated, “Some senior government officials and our respected leaders have advised that we do not head to our homeland pigheadedly, so as not to allow the army to kill more villagers.
“Our people are not going to Okuama as scheduled because we do not need any violence again, and the state government has taken care of the issue for now. Therefore, we have to listen to the government.
“We told them not to do anything violent, we are listening to the state and federal governments.”
However, concerns remain about the future of Okuama-Ewu, with rumors circulating that the government plans to build a military barracks in the area rather than rebuild the community.
The leader stated, “The issue is not Ewu. With the information we are getting that they will not rebuild Okuama-Ewu, and that they want to build a military barracks in our town, if our people go to the Ewu camp, Okuama-Ewu will be no more.
“That is why our people decided that if they want to build an IDP camp, let them site it in Okuama-Ewu, and while there, if they wish to rebuild the community, let them do so.” CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
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