Ogheneruona Tejiri, Okuama-Ewu
Residents returning from nearly two months in creek hideouts to Okuama, Ughelli South Local Government, Delta state heaved sighs of relief as they received relief materials from the Urhobo Historical Society (UHS), USA to assist them settle down from the trauma of the aftermath of the military destruction of the community over March 14 killing of 17 soldiers.
Community leaders were on hand to receive the relief materials that includes basic food items, cooking utensils, cutleries, toiletries and clothing just as the group called on other good spirited individuals and organisations to join in the Okuama restoration task which accordng to them “too enormous to be left for government and community indigenes alone.”
Presenting the items at Iwhre-Okpe Waterside through an interface, Mr. Egufe Yafugborhi enroute a boat convenience to Okuama, Dr. Aruegodore Oyiborhoro, President, Urhobo Historical Society (UHS), USA disclosed that the choice of items delivered was based on the feedback from the people which showed the acute lack currently being suffered by Okuama people.
According to Dr. Oyiborhoro, “the story of Okuama is known to the world. No need retelling it here. With their homes completely wiped out, the community made a wasteland, the feedback we got meant that we (UHS) had to buy items as basic a cutleries, toothbrushes, paste, cooking pots, plates, clothing, toiletries added to the rice, beans, garri, salt and sundry basic food items.
“The case of Okuama people is the clear definition of starting from the scratch with not even a piece to pick up from in the task of rehabilitation and resettlement. That is why this little effort by the UHS is not to prove any point, but to tell the whole world that Okuama needs a great deal of help.
“We call on individuals and organisations to join the Okuama people and government to assist in rebuilding their lives. Okuama cannot go into extinction. From our assessment of their plight, the people also need security as they are so vulnerable at the moment, bearing in mind the experience on their first day of return home. Hopefully, they will gradually find their feet again.”
Receiving the items on behalf of the community, Hon Jacob Akemor, leader among Okuamas living away from home said, “we can’t thank the UHS enough. Earlier, while the many displaced folks were rudderless and suffering in creek hideouts, a prominent member among the predominantly US based leaders of the society, Michael Egi, had sent relief materials.”
“As we return home following the military withdrawal from our land, UHS becomes the first donor to send relief materials. We are grateful as the goodwill gives us much hope to pull through this challenging times.
“Right now, save for the Anglican Church, the only structure left standing which every returnee is cramped, we have no shelter, no water to drink, no food, no clothes. Nothing. Our spirit is lifted with the UHS gesture and we want others to emulate their effort to help us out.”
End
