Officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), on Tuesday(13th April, 2021), visited the people of Ugbo Community in Arochukwu, following an attack done on them by Ikpanja people of Akwa Ibom State recently.
Speaking at the visit, the Minority Whip/member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Abia House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Mike Ukoha, who was full of emotions, regretted that ever since the attack on the people, they have been living like refugees in their own land.
He stated that as his constituents, he owe them huge responsibility to ensure the people are comfortable.
The Lawmaker thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Executive Secretary SEMA Abia State, and NEMA officials at Owerri Zonal office their quick intervention and all they have been doing in Arochukwu LGA.
The Minority Whip further stated that the people can no longer visit their farms, markets, as their houses have been burnt, adding that they need relief materials and shelter.
In his speech, the President of Ugbo Welfare Union, Mazi Emmanuel Ogbonna, hinted that since 12th of March, 2021, the people of Ugbo fleed their homes and decided to camp at Atani Primary School, Arochukwu, as a result of the attack by Ikpanja people.
Mazi Ogbonna stated that as a result of the attack on them, one of their sons was killed and beheaded, while several others received varied degrees of injury and are still receiving treatment at the hospital.
He call on both the State and Federal government to as a matter of urgency, come to their aid, so as to settle the matter amicably.
Also speaking the President General Nzuko Arochukwu Women’s Wing, Lady Bright Elekwa and a stakeholder in the area Barr. Mrs. Carol Dike-Okoroafor, said that ever since the incident, the women of Arochukwu have been responding positively in term of provision of clothings, food items and other relief materials for the Displaced people.
They call on the government of President Buhari, to intervene in the matter so as to avert future occurrence.
Responding, the Zonal Head National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Owerri Zonal office, represented by the Principal Search and Rescue Officer, Mr. Innocent Nweze, told the gathering that the essence of their visit was to have an on the spot assessment of the ugly development at the IDP camp.
He however regretted the attack, stating with their findings, they will report back to their Abuja office for an urgent intervention.
Those who were there during the visit, includes the Military, Police, some stakeholders of the LGA, notable personalities among others.
