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Hundreds of women and children of Okuama community, Ewu Kingdom, in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, who fled for dear lives when troops of the Nigerian Army invaded the community over the k!lling of 17 soldiers last Friday have been stranded for six days without food in the forests.

Okuama women cried out that they fled into the forests when soldiers invaded their community after the 
k!lling of the soldiers.

As of yesterday, Okuama was out of bounds as only the military could go in and out of the town as the place is deserted.

Even the state governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, confirmed he could not visit the place because of the situation.

Hello9ja learned that the neighboring communities to Okuama refused to take in fleeing residents from Okuama as refugees in their homelands because of fear of persecution by soldiers who come around searching for perpetrators of the heinous crime.

One indigene of a neighbouring community in Ewu Kingdom said the situation of the victims of the military onslaught at Okuama is pitiable.

“Hunger is taking a toll on them, especially the children they are carrying. This is a humanitarian crisis, and the government has to open a refugee camp for these people and provide them with food.

“As we speak, neighboring communities are living in fear because the military is using drones to watch over all communities,’’ the local said.

A resident of Orere community said people in neighbouring communities are having sleepless nights over the presence of soldiers in their domain.

According to local sources, the usually lively community is now a shadow of its old self, as shops are shut.

Many of the natives who fled their homes are still taking refuge in the forest, while some relocated to other communities before the present lockdown in the area.

People cannot come into the community with goods and foodstuffs, and those trapped cannot leave the area.

It was, however, learned that a few persons in the community, especially the old, who could not run away are being denied access to their farms and fishing traps, a development, informed sources said, could trigger famine, as the people are facing hunger caused by restriction in movement.

Many are disturbed that five days after the invasion, no government official has visited the area to sympathize with the people or send relief materials to ameliorate their sufferings. Access to food and water in the area is diminishing due to the military blockade, a source lamented, noting that the people might be compelled to source water from polluted rivers.

Also yesterday, Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, warned traditional rulers in the state against shielding suspects involved in the 
k!lling of the military personnel.

The governor gave the warning when he addressed traditional rulers, on the unfortunate incident at the State Traditional Rulers’ Council Secretariat in Asaba.

Oborevwori, who said the act is alien to the state, described it as barbaric, inhumane and unacceptable, vowing that those who committed it must be made to face the full wrath of the law.