The Urhobo Association of Washington DC, United States of America (USA), a diaspora group has sent relief items to the people of Okuama community in Ughelli South council area of Delta state, to assuage their plights as they grieve the loss of their leaders, reportedly in military detention.
Delivering the items, President of the association, Dr. Festus Sowho, sympathised with the people, and as well, lamented the spate of resettlement and rehabilitation work for the community.
“With what we saw on ground, the spate of work for ongoing building projects is not encouraging. We appeal to the local, state and federal governments for speedy interventions.
“Okuama people can’t live in the Ewu IDP Camp indefinitely. This farming season, we were told many had left the camp to the destroyed community to engage in their major livelihoods of fishing and planting for harvest to sustain their lives. Right now the living conditions are unbearable.
“We have been following the unfortunate events that unfolded in your community and are deeply saddened by the pain, displacement and hardship caused by the recent military operations.
“We cannot begin to imagine the trauma and challenges you have endured. Your suffering has not gone unnoticed, and our hearts ache for the loss of lives, the destruction of homes, and the hardships faced by so many families.
“We feel your pain as though it were our own and want you to know that you are not alone in this struggle. It is this shared sense of pain and responsibility that has motivated the Urhobo Association of Washington DC to act.
“As a token of our unwavering support, we have come together to donate food items to help alleviate some of the burdens your community is facing.
“While no amount of aid can undo the suffering you have experienced, we hope this gesture will provide some relief and remind you of the unity and love that binds us as one people.
“We stand with you, not only in this moment of crisis but also as you work towards healing and rebuilding your community. Please know that we are committed to advocating for justice, peace, and the well-being of all Urhobo communities,” Sowho stated.
Describing the reported deaths of the Presidential-General and Treasurer, Pa Oghoroko, 72, and Okugbaye 81, as “sad commentary,” he stated,
“while the damage cannot be undone, we urge the authorities to release the remaining detainees still in the military custody.”
Items donated included bags of rice, beans, groundnut oil, salt, tomato paste, seasoning cubes, noodles, several yam tubers, toothpaste and toiletries including detergents, bath and bar soaps.
