Following the killing of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army in Okuama Community, Delta State and consequent reprisal, the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, led by Hon. Babajimi Benson, on Wednesday, visited Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at Government House, Asaba.
Welcoming the committee to the state, Governor Oborevwori said that his administration had set up an Ad-hoc Committee to address humanitarian concerns emanating from the crisis in Okuama community, adding that President Bola Tinubu and the Army high command had assured that no innocent citizen of the community would suffer as a result of the crisis.
The governor assured that efforts were in top gear to rehabilitate the people of the community.
He said: “Without doubt, this is one of the most important committees in the House because it has to do with the defence of our territorial integrity.
“In recent years, Nigeria has faced multiple threats to its sovereignty and security from bandits, insurgents and the like. But God, in His infinite mercy, has helped our leaders to navigate the situation.
“However, the problem persists. Therefore, Nigerians expect a lot from this committee. I have full confidence that this committee will do justice on the matter because we believe in justice.
“What people don’t know is that before this incident happened, there was a peace accord signed by the Okoloba community and Okuama community.
“Last Saturday, I went to Okuama community to see the place to know the extent of damage. Today, we have set up a committee, Ewu IDP Committee, by which we can rehabilitate the people. By next week, by God’s grace, they will commence work; so, we will do our best to ensure peace across the state.”
Earlier, the Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Hon Babajimi Benson, said they were in the state based on the resolution of the House to unearth the remote cause of the crisis that led to the death of 17 military men in Okuama community.
While condemning the act in its entirety, he called on the military to commence the process for the return of innocent citizens to Okuama community.
Hon Benson appealed to President Bola Tinubu to help in rebuilding the town as colossal destruction might have been recorded there, pointing out that the visit of the committee was not to victimize anybody but to help resolve the crisis amicably.
He commended Governor Oborevwori for synergizing with the President, the military and other stakeholders for the peaceful resolution of the crisis and the safe return of the E
wu king from detention.
