NEMA assures Abia IDPs of FG’s quick intervention
By Leonard Okachie
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has assured the Internally Displaced Persons in Isu Community in Arochukwu Local Government Area in Abia that it would ensure that relief materials were provided for them.
Mr Evans Ugoh, the NEMA Coordinator, Abia/Imo in Owerri Zonal Office, gave the assurance when he led some staff of the agency on a fact-finding assessment to the community.
This was contained in press statement issued in Umuahia by Mr Chimezie Okoroafor, the Media Aide to Dr Mike Ugoh, the Minority Whip and Member representing Arochukwu State Constituency in Abia House of Assembly.
The NEMA boss said the Federal Government it would amameliorate their plight which was as a result of the lingering crises between the community and Utuma clan in Cross River.
Ugoh call on the National Boundary Commission to as a matter of urgency leave up to its expectation by delineating the boundary between the community and her neighbouring clans of Cross River to avoid further bloodletting in the area.
He thanked Abia Government and the security personnel in the area for their efforts so far to bring peace to area.
Also speaking, Mr Sunday Jackson, the Executive Secretary of State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in Abia explained that there had been serious collaboration between NEMA and SEMA.
He described the Isu situation as a Complex Humanitarian Emergency due to the number of lives that had been lost as well as those Internally Displaced Persons.
He called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency come to the aid of Isu people to enable them have a sense of belonging.
Earlier, Dr Mike Ukoha, the Minority Whip/Member Representing Arochukwu State Constituency in the Abia House thanked Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, SEMA and the Commissioner of Police for their concerns and efforts in ensuring a lasting peace in the area.
Eze Mortimor Ogbonnaya, the Traditional Ruler of Obieze Isu Autonomous Community thanked NEMA for the visit.
He explained that at the beginning of the crises between Isu and their neighbouring Utuma and Ukwa, he had visited their office at Abuja as well as the Inspector General of Police Office to provide security for them, but not much was done.
The Royal Father however, expressed delight that with the presence of the officials in the area, there was sign of relief for them.
Earlier in his remark, Mr Felix Okoro, the President General of Isu Progressive Union explained that the people of Utuma in Cross River attacked the people of Iheosu in Isu clan on 18th of April 2018, burning down their houses and rendering them homeless.
According to him, the attack was due to a limestone that was discovered in the area which Utuma clan have been claiming ownership.
He further said that as a result of the unprovoked attack done on them, Amachi and Ugbu people and many more in Isu were displaced while about 40 persons had so far died in the attack.
He regretted that the Internally Displaced Persons in the area have been squatting at a primary school in the area and Utughuiyi area of Isu as others have been forced to scatter around Arochukwu and Ututu.
In their separate interviews, some of the Internally Displaced Persons called on the explained that ever since 2018, they have been suffering due to their inability to visit their farmlands for fear of attack.
More Stories
Abia gov’s wife announces health insurance, monthly cash grants to persons living with sickle cell
Hope beams as Otti moves to revolutionalise Abia health sector
Abia govt to sanction proprietors who violate directive on school resumption date