Veteran actor Hon. Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, has donated a live cow to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Ewu-Okuama, in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The donation was made on Monday at the IDP camp in Ewu town, the traditional headquarters of the Ewu Kingdom.
The residents of Okuama have been living in the IDP camp since May, following a military reprisal attack on their community.
The attack was in response to the killing of 17 military personnel by gunmen in the riverine area. The community was destroyed in the aftermath, displacing many families.
While presenting the cow, RMD, represented by the Chairman of the Ewu-Okuama IDP Management Committee, Mr Abraham Ogbodo, expressed solidarity with the people of Okuama who were forced out of their homes due to the violent actions of unknown assailants.
He condemned the killing of the military personnel and the subsequent destruction of the community by the soldiers, describing both events as tragic and regrettable.
RMD, who hails from Aladja in Udu, extended heartfelt condolences to the people of Okuama, emphasising that as an Urhobo, he and his family share in their grief and loss.
He also commended the Delta State Government, under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for providing temporary shelter for the displaced persons and for initiating the reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and other public facilities.
Speaking on behalf of RMD, Ogbodo stated: “Last Saturday, our illustrious son and award-winning actor sent N800,000 to purchase a live cow for the feeding of our people in the Okuama IDP camp. Fortunately, we were able to buy the cow for N750,000. RMD stands in solidarity with the displaced Okuama people who have been here since April. We are honoured to receive such support from our Urhobo brother.”
Ogbodo, a former Editor of The Guardian newspaper, called on more well-meaning individuals, particularly those from the Urhobo community, to assist the IDPs with food and other essential needs.
He also announced the State Government plans to close the camp by December, as the displaced persons are expected to return to their ancestral homes in Okuama.
He also urged the military and other security agencies to collaborate with the state government in its efforts to rebuilding destroyed Okuama community by ceasing military operations in the community to enable construction worker and other residents of the community to freely go about their business without fear of being attacked or molestation.
He noted that the military has the right to go after suspected killers of its personnel but the action must be carried out in such a manner that it doesn’t lead to further crisis and trauma for the already traumatised people of Okuama.
The IDP Camp Commandant, Mr. Austin Ohwofaria, also made a personal donation of food items and cash to help alleviate the suffering of the displaced families.
His contribution included two bags of garri and a cash gift of N30,000, which he presented to the camp management to support the feeding of the IDPs. Ohwofaria noted that although he is the camp commandant, he was moved to act to help reduce the hardships faced by the displaced persons.
The donations from RMD and the camp commandant highlight the ongoing support for the displaced Okuama community as they await the rebuilding of their homes and eventual return.
