The youth wing of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) has strongly criticized the Nigerian Senate for its refusal to approve Senator Ede Dafinone’s motion seeking humanitarian assistance for the Okuama community in the aftermath of the tragic murder of 17 soldiers.
In a statement issued by its President, Mr. Efemena Umukoro, the UPU youth wing called on both the Federal and State Governments to swiftly dispatch relief materials to Okuama to alleviate the suffering of its residents.
Umukoro condemned what he described as the Senate’s indifference to the dire humanitarian situation in Okuama following the community’s ordeal at the hands of invading soldiers. He emphasized the pain and insensitivity of neglecting the plight of innocent civilians affected by the crisis.
Speaking to journalists in Asaba, Delta State Capital, Umukoro expressed dismay over the collective punishment meted out to the entire community for the actions of a few individuals. He also alleged the involvement of fifth columnists in the killings of the soldiers.
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The UPU youth leader did not mince words in his criticism of the Delta State Government, accusing it of failing to acknowledge the humanitarian needs of Okuama in its condolence message, purportedly due to political considerations.
Umukoro asserted that proactive measures by the Delta State Government could have prevented the longstanding crisis. He further accused the Federal Government of empowering neighboring ethnic groups to oppress the Urhobo people.
Reiterating the call for an independent inquiry into the incident, Umukoro insisted that all individuals implicated in Okuama community’s petition should be thoroughly investigated. He also alleged a plot by the Ijaw ethnic group to annex Urhobo-speaking communities in the riverine areas.
Umukoro decried the marginalization of the Urhobo nation in federal appointments, highlighting the appointment of an Ijaw as the Presidential Amnesty Coordinator despite appeals for equitable representation during the Buhari administration.
Umukoro emphasized the need for compassion and justice in addressing the plight of Okuama and urged both the federal and state governments to prioritize the welfare of innocent citizens affected by the crisis.
