After weeks of resistance, the displaced residents of Okuama-Ewu community in Delta State have finally arrived at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Ewu. The community had initially refused to relocate to the camp, citing security concerns and a desire to remain in their homeland.
However, following a meeting between community leaders and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the residents agreed to report to the camp.
The governor had promised to address their concerns and commence rebuilding their health center and a six-classroom block in a few weeks.
According to Pastor Edewor Ogedegbe, Secretary of Ewu-Ughelli South Development Forum, the governor expressed concern about the displaced residents and promised to take care of them at the IDP camp.
Ogedegbe said the community leaders were convinced of the governor’s sincerity and persuaded the residents to give him a chance.
The first batch of residents arrived at the camp in two buses, with more expected to follow. However, the camp’s capacity is already overstretched, with over 200 residents exceeding the planned capacity. The camp management has promised to increase the capacity and provide necessary amenities to cater to the needs of the residents.
The IDP camp is being managed by the Okuama-Ewu IDPs Camp Management Committee, which has expressed gratitude to the community leaders for delivering on their promise to persuade the residents to report to the camp.
The committee has assured that the residents will be taken care of and that there is room for extension if needed.
The development marks a significant breakthrough in the efforts to resettle the displaced residents of Okuama-Ewu, who have been living in temporary shelters since the military invasion of their community in March.
