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Nigerian Army Withdraws Troops From Okuama Community
Troops of the Nigerian military have reportedly withdrawn from the Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
As reported by Vanguard, soldiers departed from the troubled community on Tuesday, May 7, after imposing a two-month restriction on access to the area due to the deaths of military personnel.
Sources from nearby Akugbene and Okoloba communities in the Bomadi local government area informed the journalists on Wednesday that the soldiers departed abruptly without any advance notice.
Confirming the development, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, commended President Bola Tinubu and the military high command for their interventions in Okuama.
Oborevwori, who spoke at a media briefing on Wednesday (today), said that with the troops’ withdrawal, the people of Okuama could safely return to their homes and begin the process of reintegration and rebuilding their homes and communities.
He 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 Taoreed Lagbaja, on Monday, 6th of May, and as of today, 8th of May, 2024, the military has withdrawn from Okuama.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.”
Governor Oberewori had earlier called on Okuama residents and farmers to relocate to a rehabilitation camp for IDPs set up by the state government “for their well-being as a first step toward their return to their communities.”
However, Okuama leaders reportedly refused to comply with the governor’s call.
Chairman of Ewu IDP camp management committee, Mr Abraham Ogbodo (Rtd), who said the governor had already set aside N10 million for the committee to facilitate the Campsite take-off at Ewu grammar school, lamented the lack of willingness of Okuama residents to relocate to the IDP camp, despite the efforts being made.
