BY FESTUS AHON
UGHELLI—HUNDREDS of flood victims at the Ughelli camp, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, yesterday, protested what they described as ill-treatment allegedly meted on them by some unnamed officials of the camp.
The protesting flood victims numbering over 300, from Odorubu, Patani, Ohoro, Uduophori, Bresegha, Uwheru, Bulu-Angiama, Abare, among other communities, stormed the palace of HRM Wilson Ojakovo, Oharisi III, the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, at about 8.30 am, peacefully, to register their grievances.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters at the palace, Mrs. Grace Etabuko, alleged that despite the regular provision of food and other relief materials by the state government, individuals, churches and corporate bodies, they were not given food promptly, alleging that in most cases they took breakfast at 3pm and dinner at 10pm.
Etabuko said: "Yesterday (Saturday) it was the wife of the Deputy Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Mrs Basil Ganagana, who brought food to us at about 3pm before we had our breakfast.
And because we did not eat on time, a woman who complained to one of those in charge of food was beaten up by police officers. She is presently receiving treatment at the hospital."
Similarly, another flood victim, Mr Diamond Ikpesivwe, urged the camp leaders and the monarch to come to their aid by ensuring that those charged with the responsibility of providing food were removed and replaced by more competent hands.
The member representing Ughelli North Constituency I in the State House of Assembly, Mr. Samuel Mariere, and the State Commissioner for DESOPADEC, Mr. Tonye Timi, who is also the camp commandant, pleaded with the protesters to go back and remain calm.
Vanguard Nigeria
The protest is justified.We've heard so many strange things happening in their midst