By Israel Mbam
Ebonyi State Government has relocated to the State over 800 Ebonyi indigenes displaced in Ilaje, Lagos Island, Lagos State.
The State Commissioner for Special Duties and State Dispora, Hon. Valentine Okike made this known while briefing Journalists in Abakaliki. He said the displaced persons were living in open places, including under bridges, after the recent demolition of their living houses by Lagos State government. A situation he said was exposing them to danger.
The Commissioner noted that the ugly situation of the displaced Ebonyians touched Governor Francis Nwifuru, prompting him to order their immediate evacuation.
“We were officially informed on Monday that Ebonyi people in Ilaje, Lagos Island, were displaced, and our Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, ordered that I should go and bring them back to our dear state. I went to Lagos and brought them back.
“It was an eyesore seeing small children below 3 and 4 years living in an open place, under the bridge. These people really went through hardship, and it was on that basis that the Governor said, ‘No, I will not allow my people to continue to suffer,’ and immediately mandated me to bring them back home.
“Buses were made available to bring them back home, and their situation was terribly bad. I can authoritatively tell you that for those of them who wanted to come back, all of them are back home.
“It is not only Ebonyi people whose properties were demolished; there were other people from other states who were also affected by the demolition. But I can tell you that it is only the Ebonyi State Government that took that proactive measure by bringing them back home, and I can understand what the Governor was trying to avoid because he believes in good governance.” he stated
Recall that the Lagos State Government allegedly demolished structures considered illegal in Ilaje, where many people from different states of the federation, including Ebonyi State, reside, leaving them stranded.
Governor Francis Nwifuru, upon being informed of the development, ordered the evacuation of Ebonyi people affected by the demolition.