One year after the tragic killings in Okuama on March 14, 2024, the community gathered to mark the anniversary of the devastating incident.
News Central correspondent Austin Azu visited the site, where residents shared their grief and struggles.
Speaking to Azu, community members expressed their pain, saying the day remains one they will never forget. Many lost loved ones, and the scars of that tragedy are still fresh.
At the commemoration, a banner displayed the names of 114 people who lost their lives in the attack.
Among them was James Ogoroko, the former president general of the Okuama community, whose absence continues to weigh heavily on the residents, and his family, who have become displaced.
Jacob Okuama, one of the community leaders, spoke about the ongoing struggles since the attack. He said they are yet to recover and called on the Nigerian government for help.
“We lost a lot of people in this community on that very day. Our fathers, our mothers and our children.
“Today is a day that we can never forget. So we are here today to mark the day for those that we lose on that very day,” he said.
“We are crying to the federal government. Please and please come to our rescue. Let our people be set free. We are not fighting with anybody. Okwama is a very peaceful community.
“I’ve never had any problem with anyone before now. And we still promise the federal government. We still remain on the peace level,” he added.
Many community leaders remain in detention, including a professor and a local chief. He urged authorities to release them and allow the community to rebuild in peace.
Residents described their continued hardship, with many still homeless and struggling to find food. Women and children have been left vulnerable, with no shelter or support.
They recalled being taken to an IDP camp with promises of rebuilding their community, but nothing has been done since the camp was closed.
Appealing to the government and kind-hearted individuals, the women of Okuama pleaded for urgent assistance.
They compared their suffering to that of the Israelites in Egypt but expressed hope that, like them, Okuama would one day find peace.
