“Help, We’re Dying in the Forest” – Okuama-Ewu Residents Plead with Delta State Governor for Assistance

Residents displaced from Okuama-Ewu in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State are begging Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for assistance, claiming they are dying and in pain after hiding in the forest for 39 days. They fled following a military onslaught that began after the killing of 17 military personnel in the community on March 14.

Residents Plead for Intervention

The displaced residents are urging the governor to establish an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp and provide relief materials, saying they have nowhere to go and are struggling to survive in the forest. They are also asking for the withdrawal of the military from their homeland to enable them to return home safely.

During his visit to Okuama-Ewu last weekend, Governor Oborevwori assured residents that the government would help them return to their community, stating, “I want to assure the people of Okuama that there is no point in running away from your community. We are going to bring you back to your community.” He added that the military was only targeting those directly involved in the incident.

However, community leaders are urging the governor to act quickly, emphasizing the dire conditions faced by displaced residents. A community leader, who spoke anonymously, said, “Our people are dying and suffering in the forest because of lack of food and complications from bullet wounds.” He urged the governor to set up an IDP camp and send relief materials to aid those in need.

Allegations of Misconduct and Arrests

In a related development, soldiers allegedly arrested Mr. Jonathan Amakuromor Fiemotonghan, the chair of the Okpokonou community in Burutu Local Government Area, and three others, accusing them of harboring fleeing Okuama-Ewu indigenes. A traditional chief from the Okpokonou community said the arrests took place last month and their current whereabouts are unknown.

Additionally, Mr. Preye Oyazimo, a schoolteacher from Olou Primary School, Bomadi, was arrested on suspicion of communicating with some Okuama suspects over the phone. Witnesses reported seeing soldiers with many vehicles and a drone hovering around the premises during the early-morning raid.

U.S.-Based Nigerian Donates Relief Materials

Amidst these troubling events, a United States-based member of the Urhobo Historical Society, Michael Egi, has donated a charity package to Okuama-Ewu refugees. The package included food items, toiletries, and medical supplies. Egi explained his motivation, saying, “The move was not for any self-glorification but to let all men of good conscience know that the world is watching the Nigerian state and her military’s vengeful mission to wipe out Okuama.”

Residents in other nearby communities, including Gbaregolor, have distanced themselves from rumors that they are harboring Okuama-Ewu refugees, fearing military retaliation. The chair of the Gbaregolor community, Mr. Ovwemuvwose Ufuoma, stated that they do not support the violence against soldiers, but clarified that his community does not harbor Okuama refugees to avoid military raids.

A Climate of Fear

As a result of these incidents, fear has gripped residents in the riverine area. Rumors of arrest and detention for allegedly harboring Okuama-Ewu indigenes have led to increased caution and reluctance to help strangers. Locals are refraining from lending their phones to others to avoid suspicion from the military, highlighting the tense and uncertain atmosphere in the area.