In a dire situation unfolding in the Ewu Kingdom of Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, hundreds of women and children from the Okuama community find themselves trapped in the forests without food for six consecutive days.
Their plight began when Nigerian Army troops launched an operation following the killing of 17 soldiers, forcing residents to flee for their lives.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, issued a stern warning against shielding suspects linked to the soldiers’ killings, as governors from across the nation condemned the violent act and reiterated the urgent need for state police.
Maj. Gen. Tajudeen Olanrewaju, a former Minister of Communications, cautioned that the incident might escalate into larger conflicts if left unaddressed, signaling a potential resurgence of community warfare in the region.
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Former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mike Ejiofor, called for an independent investigation into the killings, suggesting the involvement of influential figures.
Meanwhile, in Igbomotoru, Bayelsa State, the military’s pursuit of a suspected militant leader implicated in the Okuama killings has led to a siege, exacerbating the risk of starvation and a looming humanitarian crisis in the coastal town.
Reports indicate that Okuama residents fled to the forests when soldiers allegedly opened fire during an altercation at the town hall. The community remains inaccessible, with military presence preventing entry and exit.
Governor Oborevwori acknowledged the gravity of the situation, admitting his inability to visit Okuama due to the ongoing military operations.
Neighboring communities have hesitated to offer refuge to fleeing Okuama residents, fearing reprisals from soldiers searching for perpetrators.
Stranded without provisions, the displaced women and children face dire circumstances as they await assistance, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian intervention in the beleaguered region.
“Hunger is taking a toll on them, especially the children they are carrying. This is a humanitarian crisis, and the government has to open a refugee camp for these people and provide them with food.
“Soldiers molest innocent people in neighbouring communities of Okuama in Ughelli South Local Government Area. As I am speaking with you, soldiers are still at Orere community in Ewu kingdom in search of the perpetrators, molesting innocent people.
“The fact is that neighboring communities in the Ewu Kingdom are not receiving fleeing indigenes of Okuama who are mostly women and children, for fear of harassment and molestation by the military.
“As we speak, neighboring communities are living in fear because the military is using drones to watch over all communities,’’ the local said.