The House of Representatives says it will ensure the crisis in Okuama Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State is brought to a logical conclusion.
Rep. Babajimi Benson, Chairman, House Committee on Defence gave the assurance while addressing newsmen on Thursday at the Governor’s Office Annexe in Warri.
Benson led other members of the committee to a public hearing on the carnage that occured in Okuama Community in Delta resulting to the death of 17 soldiers and consequent destruction of properties.
The committee convened on Thursday at the Governor’s Office Annexe in Warri without the presence of the locals in attendance.
It would be recall that the investigative hearing was in line with the 10th Assembly House of Representatives’ resolution of March 19, 2024.
The resolution was prompted by the March 14 massacre of 17 soldiers in the Okuama Community.
The lawmaker said that the committee had so far received about 23 memorandum from stakeholders.
“We came to see members of the community in camera and by way of memorandum. We have received a lot of memorandum from them but they have not turn up physically.
“We have gotten enough memorandum and we intend to work with the memorandum. Though, the window is opened till Friday next week, so we are still expecting more from them.
“We have assured everyone including the Delta State that the House of Representatives will ensure the matter is looked into from both sides and come to a logical conclusion.
“That is why we are asking them to send memoranda and they are complying. We gave them a week and the period will elapse on Friday.
“If you do not want to show up, please send us your documents so that we will be able to act on them, and get to a logical conclusion,” Benson appealed.
The legislator said that the committee was fully ready to ensure that justice was done on the matter.
On why the committee could not visit the troubled Okuama Community, the lawmaker said that the activities of the committee regarding the crisis had not ended.
According to him, the committee will visit the locals and also invite the military to give account of what happened at the community.
“We are definitely going to meet the locals but we are going to arm ourselves with information,” he said.
Among the 10-man committee was Rep. Francis Waive, member representing Ughelli North/Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency.