Internally Displaced People

By Socrates Odje, Warri

Chairman of Empowerment Committee of the Niger Delta Youth Movement, Comrade JOLLY OGBE has appealed to the Federal Government and State Governments in the Niger Delta Region to fast-track the process of rehabilitating and resettling the displayed victims of the recent flood in Nigeria, stating that as the flood recedes, government should demonstrate appreciable political will in bringing succour to the people as they return to their original abode.   

In a press statement made available to newsmen, Comrade Ogbe noted that the recent flood was a disaster of international dimension noting that the Federal government must do everything possible to guide against re-occurrence of such natural disaster which have further impoverished the rural poor across the Niger Delta Area.

‘’We of the Niger Delta Youth Movement are deeply concerned with the plight of the displaced victims of the recent flood disaster. Many of them lost homes, all they ever had in life and some others lost loved ones and other relatives. As the flood recedes for the people to return to their original dwellings, we appeal to Government to demonstrate practical commitment to the plight of the victims by assisting with resettlement packages. These should include helping the victims to get decent accommodation and public schools so as not to be exposed to environmental hazards, dangerous animals and reptiles and other challenges they may be exposed to,’’ the statement said.

Comrade Ogbe noted that as the water recedes, the tendency for the people to be exposed to dangerous snakes is high as many creatures were forced by the raging water to relocate from their original abode to climb roof tops and such other places for safety. He disclosed that some of those creatures may remain in unexpected dwelling places for a long time thereby constituting dangers to the human community.

‘’It is therefore recommended that government thoroughly fumigate these storm-ravaged areas so as to avoid the victims being exposed to further danger as they return home’’, he added.

The youth leader also appealed to the Niger Delta Development Commission, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, corporate Bodies and individuals committed to public good to identify areas where the flood victims could be assisted beside provision of foodstuff so that they can be well catered for and resettled. He maintained that provision of descent accommodation or rebuilding dilapidated structures that bowed to the flood should be considered by government.