Troops of the Nigerian Army have been withdrawn from the troubled Okuama community in Ughelli south local government area of Delta State.
With the withdrawal of the troops, the people of Okuama can now return to their homes and begin the process of reintegration and rebuilding their homes and communities.
The troops were deployed in the area following the killing of 17 officers and men of the Nigerian Army in an ambush on March 14, 2024.
Members of the National Assembly, other distinguished Nigerians, traditional rulers and other leaders of thought pleaded with the federal government and the military authority to allow freedom and peace to prevail during the Okuama crisis.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori also paid assessment visit to the community on April 20, 2024, and had since set up an Internally Displaced Persons camp at Ewu to aid their rehabilitation.
Confirming the development, Governor Oborevwori expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the military high command for the withdrawal.
“My dear good people of Delta state, I have the pleasure to announce to you that, upon much deliberation and collaboration 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 Taoreed Lagbaja on Monday, May 6, and as of today, May 8, 2024, the military has withdrawn from Okuama.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 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.”
Governor Oborevwori also commended members of the National Assembly, other distinguished Nigerians, traditional rulers and other leaders of thought who stood with 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.
“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,” the governor said.
