In a move that has brought a glimmer of hope to hundreds of displaced families, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has disbursed N160 million in financial support to over 800 Ebonyi indigenes recently evacuated from Ilaje Otumara village in Lagos following a demolition exercise by the Lagos State government.
Each affected individual received N200,000 in aid as part of a state-led effort to help citizens who returned home after losing their homes and possessions in the early morning demolition.
The returnees—many of whom are women and children—had been stranded in Lagos before the Ebonyi State Government stepped in to facilitate their safe return about four weeks ago.
Narrating her experience, Mrs. Charity Okeosisi recounted the terror of waking up around 4 a.m. to the sound of bulldozers and chaos. “We were trying to salvage our belongings when area boys started looting what was left,” she said. “We’ve lost everything. It’s like starting life from zero.”
Mrs. Martina Ofoke, another beneficiary, expressed gratitude for the governor’s timely intervention. “This support is a blessing. We’ve been barely surviving since we got back. This money will help us feed and hopefully rebuild,” she said.
Many of the victims echoed similar sentiments, appealing to the government for additional support in starting small businesses, as they now have no other source of livelihood.
The disbursement took place under the supervision of Mr. Valentine Okike-Uzo, Commissioner for Special Duties and head of the Ebonyi Diaspora Office. He emphasized that the gesture was only a first step in the state’s broader recovery plan for the victims.
“All 800 documented returnees will receive this support,” Okike-Uzo assured. “This is part of our commitment to ease their transition and rebuild their lives. We also plan to roll out more empowerment programs in the coming weeks.”
While the pain of loss still lingers, the aid has offered a crucial lifeline—one many hope will lead to lasting recovery.
