The Nigerian Army has pulled out soldiers from the troubled Okuama community in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The community had been under military siege since March 14, 2024, following the killing of 17 army officers and soldiers, who were on a peacekeeping mission to quell the communal crisis between the people of Okuama and their neighbours in Okoloba, Bomadi Local Government Area.
Angered by their colleagues’ killing, the soldiers had invaded Okuama and set houses ablaze while hunting the killers.
The situation made the villagers to flee to homes to seek refuge in bushes and neighouring communities.
Local sources from Akugbene and Okoloba communities in Bomadi LGA told newsmen on Wednesday that “the military troops were sighted suddenly pulling out of Okuama community on Tuesday, 7th May 2023, even without any prior information to do so.”
The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, while confirming the troops’ withdrawal from the Okuama community, lauded President Bola Tinubu and the military high command for their interventions.
Oborevwori, at a media briefing, said with the withdrawal of the troops, the people of Okuama could now safely return to their homes and begin the process of rebuilding their community.
The governor said, “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 Taoreed Lagbaja, on Monday, 6th of May, and as of today, 8th of May, 2024, the military has withdrawn its personnel from Okuama.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.”
The governor also commended members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers and other leaders of thought, who stood with the state throughout the Okuama saga.
“Let me assure all Deltans and residents in the state that this administration is irrevocably committed to enhancing the 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 transition to aid their rehabilitation. We shall render all the necessary assistance they need to enable them settle to down quickly and joyfully in Okuama,” the governor said.
