"Desperate SOS: Okuama Residents' Cry for Help as Army Operations Leave Them Trapped in Forests"

Residents of Okuama, Omosuomo, and other communities in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, remain confined in the forests since the ongoing Army clearance operations initiated after the killing of 17 soldiers on March 14. Over the weekend, they sent distress signals to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, urging immediate intervention to save their lives.

According to reports, many residents are facing dire conditions, with some dying of hunger and in urgent need of medical attention in their hiding places. Despite the challenging circumstances, they managed to contact community leaders and relatives in Warri and other cities, hoping to relay their desperate situation to the authorities.

Dr. Akpo Mudiaga-Odje, a Warri-based lawyer and facilitator of the Niger-Delta Democratic Union (NDDU), called on the Federal Government and the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to demarcate and gazette the boundaries of all communities in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of delineating clear boundaries to mitigate inter-communal conflicts.

Similarly, another Delta lawyer and activist, Lawrence Oseya, criticized the Army's decision to deny Governor Sheriff Oborevwori access to the Okuama community where the tragic incident occurred. Oseya emphasized that the Army's actions could compromise the investigation process and called for an impartial inquiry into the events leading to the killings.

An indigene of Okuama residing in Warri revealed that many of their relatives were still hiding in the forests due to the intimidating presence of military personnel. They communicated cautiously, avoiding the use of phones to evade detection. Additionally, Chief Henry Abizor, chairman of Omosuomo Federated Communities, issued a plea for assistance from both the state and federal governments, highlighting the dire conditions faced by the trapped residents.

The situation escalated further when the Army conducted raids on Omosuomo Federated Communities, resulting in property destruction and the displacement of residents. The community leaders condemned the military's actions and appealed for humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the affected population.

Constitutional lawyer Dr. Mudiaga-Odje stressed the need for proactive measures to prevent future communal conflicts by accurately delineating community boundaries through official gazettement. He emphasized the role of the National Boundary Commission in this process and called for concerted efforts to address the root causes of communal disputes.

Lawyer Frank Oseya echoed similar sentiments, expressing concern over the Army's handling of the situation and advocating for a transparent investigation to ascertain the truth. He cautioned against arbitrary actions that could exacerbate tensions and emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law in resolving the crisis.

In conclusion, the plight of the trapped residents underscores the urgency of addressing the underlying issues fueling communal conflicts and ensuring the safety and well-being of affected communities. The calls for intervention from President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori highlight the need for immediate action to alleviate the suffering of those trapped in the forests amidst the ongoing military operations.

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