The Urhobo Leadership Forum (ULF) has urged the Delta State Government and various national and state agencies to establish camps for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Okuama community, which was devastated following the tragic killing of 17 Army officers and soldiers on March 14 in Ewu-Urhobo kingdom, Ughelli South council area of the state.
In the wake of the violent incident, residents of Okuama sought refuge in the surrounding bushes and nearby communities to avoid potential persecution as soldiers conducted a manhunt for the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
Through a statement issued by Olorogun (Dr.) Peter Igho, President, and Mr. Robert Itawa, General Secretary, the ULF strongly condemned the brutal killings of the military personnel, labeling it as a “horror of murders,” and extended their condolences to the grieving families affected by the tragedy.
The forum expressed deep concern over the lingering impact of the March 14 incident on the people of Okuama and neighboring communities, emphasizing the urgent need for their safe return to their ancestral land and the comprehensive rehabilitation of all displaced individuals, particularly women and children.
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As advocates and supporters of peace and fairness, we, the members of the Urhobo Leadership Forum, stand in solidarity with this principle, emphasizing the importance of addressing the Okuama crisis with utmost care and attention to detail.
It is imperative that the military is treated with the utmost respect and is encouraged to reciprocate the same level of respect towards the civilian population, fostering a harmonious relationship between the two entities.
In light of the numerous narratives circulating in both social and mainstream media, it is crucial to replace rumors with clarity and ensure that the truth is revealed to the nation. This transparency is essential for the pursuit of justice and the successful rehabilitation of affected individuals.
By unveiling the perpetrators responsible for the atrocious killings and holding them accountable under the full extent of the law, we can safeguard innocent civilians from enduring further hardships and provide them with the opportunity to rebuild their lives and look towards a brighter future.
