Breaking: IDPs Uhogua send SOS to Okpebholo

PLEA TO H.E. SENATOR MONDAY OKPEBHOLO, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF EDO STATE TO PROTECT IDPS FROM THREATS AND ENSURE JUSTICE

I am Peter Mazhekwatte Isaac, Esq, writing collectively with my colleagues and learned friends for and on behalf of the Internally Displaced Persons at the IDPs Camp, Uhogua, Benin City, Edo State. Since the inception of the camp Edo people have demonstrated hospitality, kindness and warm welcome towards us. We have lived peacefully in harmony and received acceptance that no one has ever done in the north. The government of Edo State since the time of Senator Adams Oshiomhole has been nice to us except the most immediate past administration.

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However, it is disheartening to state that as internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Edo State, we have endured unimaginable hardships, from the trauma of displacement to the violence inflicted upon us during recent elections at our polling unit ( Unit 17). Today, we stand at a crossroads, facing renewed threats to our lives and safety due to the integration of hooligans and touts former PDP supporters who brutalized us at the recent elections now we are facing new threats to life. We urgently call on the Edo State government to intervene, protect our lives, and ensure justice prevails.

During the governorship elections, we IDPs faced brutal attacks from PDP-affiliated hooligans who stormed our polling unit with guns and weapons. They shouted threats, intimidated us, and physically assaulted our people simply because we exercised our democratic right to vote for the APC. The violence was relentless. Our brothers and sisters suffered broken legs and hands, and we collectively spent millions of naira on hospital bills to treat injuries. No sympathy or support was offered to us in the aftermath. Instead, we were left to bear the physical, emotional, and financial scars of this brutality.

Now, we are alarmed and disheartened to witness these same perpetrators, who once terrorized us, being welcomed into the APC, the party we suffered to support. This integration of criminals into our great party is not only a betrayal of our trust but also a grave threat to our lives. As IDPs, we are already vulnerable, living in precarious conditions with the lingering trauma of displacement. The presence of these individuals in our midst makes us feel like endangered species, fearing for our safety and the safety of our families.

The APC must resist the temptation to reward criminals, as doing so emboldens terror and undermines the principles of justice and accountability. These individuals have shown no remorse for their actions, and their integration into the party sends a dangerous message that violence and intimidation will be overlooked for political gain. We can not allow such impunity to fester, as it risks further destabilizing the camp and deepening the wounds of those who have already suffered unimaginable pains and trauma. We have documented evidence both visual and video evidence of these atrocities meted on us. The Department of State Security Service ( DSSS) are aware of the gory and harrowing situation we experienced.The case is in court yet while we, the victims are still languishing in pain the perpetrators are moving freely and posing new threats to our lives.

We appeal to the Edo State government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to take immediate action to address this crisis. We humbly request the following: enhanced security for IDPs by deploying security forces to IDP camps and communities to protect us from threats; a thorough investigation into the election violence perpetrated by these hooligans to ensure they face justice, regardless of their current political affiliation; provision of psychosocial support, medical assistance, and financial aid to IDPs who suffered injuries and trauma during the elections; and a call to the APC leadership to thoroughly vet and screen new members to prevent the integration of individuals with a history of violence and criminality.

Our plea is not just for ourselves but for the future of Edo State. A society that rewards criminals over victims can not achieve lasting peace. We IDPs have shown resilience in the face of adversity, but we can not continue to live in fear. The Edo State Government has the power and responsibility to protect its most vulnerable citizens and uphold justice. We trust in your commitment to fairness and security. Help to safeguard our lives and restore our faith in the democratic process. Let it be known that Edo State will not tolerate terror or reward those who perpetrate it.