By HEADLINENEWS.NEWS correspondent
The Nigerian Army has pulled out soldiers from the troubled Okuama community in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The troops were deployed in the area following the killing of 17 officers and men of the Nigerian Army in an ambush on March 14, 2024.
Members of the National Assembly, other distinguished Nigerians, traditional rulers and other leaders of thought pleaded with the federal government and the military authority to allow freedom and peace to prevail during the Okuama crisis.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori also paid assessment visit to the community on April 20, 2024, and had since set up an Internally Displaced Persons camp at Ewu to aid their rehabilitation.
However, confirming the troops’ withdrawal from the Okuama community, the governor lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the military high command for their interventions.
Oborevwori, at a media briefing, said with the withdrawal of the troops, the people of Okuama could now safely return to their homes and begin the process of rebuilding their community.
The governor said, “My Dear good people of Delta State, I have the pleasure to announce to you that, upon many deliberations and collaborations between the state government and the military leadership, the Nigerian Army has agreed to withdraw its officers and men from Okuama.
“I spoke with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Monday, 6th of May, and as of today, 8th of May, 2024, the military has withdrawn its personnel from Okuama.
“With this development, the people of Okuama can now safely return to their homes and begin the process of reintegration and rebuilding their homes.
“I want to express my deep and profound gratitude to Mr. President, the Chief of Army Staff, and the hierarchy of the Nigerian Army for their understanding and cooperation.
“In my engagements with them, they demonstrated the highest level of concern and care for the plight of the displaced persons. To God be the glory that we have achieved an amicable resolution.”
The governor also commended members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers and other leaders of thought, who stood with the state throughout the Okuama saga.
“Let me assure all Deltans and residents in the state that this administration is irrevocably committed to enhancing the peace and security in the state as contained in our MORE Agenda.
