The chairman of the Okuama Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp management committee, Mr. Abraham Ogbodo, has issued a call for increased support and donations to aid the well-being of displaced residents from Okuama community.
The appeal came during a recent press briefing at the Ewu Okuama IDP camp, where Ogbodo highlighted both progress and ongoing challenges faced by the camp’s inhabitants.
Established in May 2024, the Okuama IDP camp was created in response to a tragic incident that forced the evacuation of the community.
On March 14, 2024, 17 military officers and soldiers were killed in Okuama while reportedly on a peace mission to address a conflict between Okuama and the neighboring Okoloba community. In an apparent retaliation, Nigerian Army troops subsequently stormed the area, leading to the displacement of Okuama residents.
Ogbodo acknowledged the significant efforts made by the Delta State government to ensure the welfare of the displaced Okuama residents.
He also expressed gratitude for the support received from various groups, individuals, companies, organizations, and churches that have donated food items to the camp.
“For the people to live in their houses, they must first and foremost stay alive,” Ogbodo stated.
He added, “What we are doing here is the business of keeping them alive so that when the time comes for them to repossess their ancestral homeland, they will all be alive to do so.”
The camp has seen some positive developments, including seven safe deliveries attributed to the quality medical attention provided.
However, Ogbodo emphasized that government efforts alone are insufficient, urging for broader support to give the displaced residents a stronger sense of belonging before their eventual return home.
Ogbodo said, “We want to appeal that it is not over, not even this phase, the second phase is there, but even this first phase of keeping the people here and feeding them is still ongoing. The appeal is to the general public, the good people within Urhobo, outside Urhobo, everybody of good conscience to project that humanity and come be part of this team.”
Ogbodo and the committee secretary, Honorable Austin Emadoku, outlined several challenges facing the camp.
These include the need for additional provisions, food items, and medical support.
They also highlighted the urgency of completing an accommodation block to create more space, anticipating an increase in camp population due to potential flooding in Okuama during the rainy season.
“The challenges are the same obvious challenges. We need more provisions in terms of medical, in terms of even creating more space just in case we are overwhelmed by displaced persons,” Ogbodo explained.
Emadoku added, “We need to be ready to have extra accommodation so that we don’t get overwhelmed by such situations when they come.”
The Delta State government has begun taking steps towards rebuilding the Okuama community. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori recently announced that contracts have been awarded for the construction of a health center and six classroom blocks for primary and secondary schools in Okuama.
The Explainer learned, these contracts were awarded to Okuama indigenes, potentially facilitating the community’s eventual return and reconstruction.
“Very soon, they will return to Okuama,” Governor Oborevwori stated during a meeting with Urhobo traditional rulers and the leadership of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide.
The governor also expressed appreciation for the support provided by these groups, including their visits to the IDP camp and donations of food and relief materials.
As the situation continues to evolve, the management committee of the Okuama IDP camp stresses that the plight of the displaced residents remains a humanitarian issue requiring broad support. This assistance will be crucial not only for their current well-being but also in preparing for the second phase of returning them to their homes and rebuilding their community.
