Ondo Govt Deploys Emergency Response Team to Ebiwonjumi Over D£struction, Security Concerns
Ondo Govt Deploys Emergency Response Team to Ebiwonjumi Over Destruction, Security Concerns
..Promises Stronger Security, Support for Victims…
…as Deputy Governor Directs Emergency Response Team to Assess Damage, Reassure Victims
The Ondo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and restoring confidence among residents of Ebiwonjumi Community in Ugbo Ward 6, Ilaje Local Government Area, following a recent attack that resulted in the destruction of homes, boat engines, fishing equipment and other means of livelihood.
Acting on the directive of the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayide Adelami, mni, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Emergency Response and Safety Enforcement, Hon. Wellington Oriade Adebawo, alongside officials of the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (ODSEMA), visited the community to assess the extent of the destruction, engage affected residents and community leaders, and convey the sympathy and concern of the state government.
The visit followed reports of an attack allegedly connected to longstanding boundary-related tensions involving communities in Ondo and Delta States. The incident has heightened concerns among residents over their safety, security and ability to sustain their livelihoods.
Ebiwonjumi is predominantly a fishing community, with many residents dependent on fishing and other aquatic activities for their livelihood. The destruction of boats, engines and fishing equipment has therefore significantly affected the economic wellbeing of several families.
The government delegation was received by community leaders and stakeholders, including the Baale of Ebiwonjumi, Chief Orimisan Ebiwonjumi, who represented the King, HRH Oba Ademola Ogebe Akinbule, the Yasere of Oriretan Kingdom.
Speaking during the engagement, the Baale expressed appreciation to the Ondo State Government for visiting the community at a critical period, saying the presence of government representatives had renewed the confidence of the people.
He said Ebiwonjumi, which he noted had existed for more than 200 years, had historically maintained peaceful relations with neighbouring Isekiri communities.
“After the attack, many of our people felt that we had been forgotten. Today, however, we are happy to see representatives of the government here with us. It shows that the Governor has not forgotten us and that our people remain important to his administration,” he said.
The community appealed to the state government to strengthen and sustain security operations in the area, particularly through the deployment of personnel from the Nigerian Navy, Amotekun Corps and other relevant security agencies.
The Baale also appealed for government assistance to families whose homes and means of livelihood were destroyed, stressing that the people of Ebiwonjumi were peace-loving and law-abiding citizens.
“We are law-abiding people and peace builders. We have lived peacefully with our neighbours for generations. We do not want conflict. We want the government to secure our land, protect our people and assist those whose homes and means of livelihood were destroyed,” he added.
Also speaking, the Councillor representing Ugbo Ward 6, Hon. Omowunmi Oluwabem Alaba, commended the residents for their resilience and peaceful disposition despite the incident.
She assured the community of the government’s commitment to the security and development of the area, adding that relevant government interventions would be pursued to address the concerns raised by the residents.
Responding, Hon. Wellington Oriade Adebawo conveyed the sympathy of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, mni, to the victims and the entire community.
Adebawo assured the residents that the concerns raised during the visit, particularly those relating to security, protection of lives and property, humanitarian assistance and restoration of livelihoods, would be communicated to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
He stressed that no citizen should live in fear or feel abandoned because of the remote location of the community, assuring the people that the government remained concerned about their welfare and security.
The engagement also provided an opportunity for government officials to hear directly from residents and gain a clearer understanding of the impact of the incident, including the destruction of homes and livelihood assets.
The state government emphasized that sustainable peace in the affected communities would require more than security measures, stressing the importance of continuous engagement, responsible leadership, respect for lawful boundaries and peaceful dialogue among neighbouring communities.
It urged residents and other stakeholders to remain calm and refrain from actions or statements capable of escalating tensions, while encouraging all parties to pursue lawful and peaceful channels for the resolution of longstanding disputes.
The government reiterated that the protection of lives and property remains a fundamental responsibility of government, assuring residents of riverine and hard-to-reach communities that their welfare would continue to receive appropriate attention.
The Ondo State Government commended the people of Ebiwonjumi for their resilience and peaceful disposition, assuring them that their concerns had been heard and would receive the necessary attention.
