The Delta State Government has officially announced the closure of the internally displaced persons camp for Indigenes of Okuama community in Ewu Kingdom of Ughelli South Local Government Area.
The closure is coming seven months after the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, inaugurated the IDP camp as a temporary shelter for displaced indigenes of the community, following the destruction of the entire town by the army over the killing of 17 soldiers by unknown gunmen.
Chairman of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Management Committee, Mr. Abraham Ogbodo, announced the closure of the camp on behalf of the state government at Ewu Town.
Ogbodo, a former editor of the Guardian Newspaper, said with the completion of the camp duties, his committee will now move into post-camp duty, which he said is to rebuild the destroyed community.
Ogbodo commended Gov. Oborevwori and the state government for the support given to the committee.
He also commended federal government agencies, prominent Nigerians, and groups who donated to keep the camp alive for seven months.
Ogbodo noted that no casualty or unfortunate incident was recorded throughout the period of the stay of the displaced persons in the camp.
He disclosed that the committee received a total of N62 million, of which a total of N60 million was expended on camp activities, including building of the IDP camp and feeding for the seven months.
He stated that though the displaced persons were returning home, the committee will continue to work and support the rebuilding of the community.
Ogbodo called on Nigerians, especially Urhobos, to support the Okuama people to find their feet in this critical history of their lives.
Read also: Oluremi Tinubu donates food items to Taraba Christians
“This camp was opened May 27, 2024. We have run this camp effectively for seven months, and the purpose has largely been achieved. The camp was opened with about 1, 500 displaced persons, but as of today, we have about 60 persons.
“The idea when the Okuama tragic incident happened was to offer a window for the people to recover psychologically and return back to life. This has been achieved through the efforts of the state government and good-spirited individuals.
“The government is doing everything possible to provide basic amenities in the community. We are now in the post-camp era of rebuilding the infrastructure in the community through private partnership. The destroyed buildings have to be rebuilt,” Ogbodo stated.
He explained that the committee will officially present their recommendations to the state government at a later date.
Also speaking, the secretary of the committee, Olorogun Emaduku, called on Deltans and Nigerians to continue to support the people of Okuama as they return back to their homes.
