People
Okuama Crisis: Fleeing Okuama Residents Seek Safety in Forests
In the heart of Delta State’s Ughelli South Local Government Area, communities like Okuama and Omosuomo are facing a crisis that has left them stranded and forgotten. Since the tragic loss of 17 soldiers on March 14, they have been caught in the crossfire of ongoing military clearance operations, forced to seek refuge in the depths of the forests.
But hiding from danger has come at a heavy cost. Cut off from the outside world, residents find themselves battling hunger and illness with little hope of relief. Desperation has driven them to send distress signals to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, pleading for help to escape their dire circumstances.
Communication has become a perilous endeavor, as they navigate the forests without phones, relying on risky person-to-person exchanges to stay connected. Even those who manage to flee are hesitant to seek shelter with loved ones, fearing reprisal and further endangering their families.
As the days stretch on, the urgency for assistance grows more acute. The plight of these forgotten voices serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict, calling for immediate action to alleviate their suffering and bring them back from the brink of despair.