RSG To Intervene In Kporgor, Wakama Crisis

Rivers State Government has hinted of plans to intervene in the Kporgor and Wakama crisis, in Tai and Ogu/Bolo local government areas, and rehabilitate victims of the clash that left two people dead last year.
Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mr. Joe Poroma gave the assurance shortly after visiting the community and donating food items and cash to victims at Borobara community in Tai Local Government Area, Wednesday.
It would be recalled that inhabitants of Kporgor community in Tai were sacked on 21st of December last year, after they were allegedly attacked by their neighbours from Wakama community in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area over land dispute.
Poroma, after a tour of the Kporgor community told newsmen that the victims, who are now seeking refuge in neigbouring villages at Kira, Gio ,Nonwa and Borobara need urgent rehabilitation.
He described their situation as pathetic. He said, “Initially, my thought was for them to come back home, but what we have seen, there is no hope for them to come back home. I hope that this type of thing will not happen again.”
The commissioner stated that the visit was part of a fact finding mission to assess the level of damage, and promised to forward his report to the state government for urgent action.
He expressed fear that the rains will soon come and victims will suffer more as they are scattered in different communities for their safety.
With the state of things, the commissioner also expressed fear that the community may not participate in the upcoming elections next month.
“I am very doubtful if elections will take place in this community because; where will they come from and who is going to transport them here to come and vote,” he queried.
On his part, the traditional ruler of Kporgor, Chief Emmanuel Gbarabuleh thanked the state government for the gesture, while lamenting that women and children had been displaced, while schools and churches have been abandoned for the past one month after an attack from their neighbours.
He alleged that Kporgor and Wakama have clashed twice over land squabbles, adding that, “history told me our forefathers gave them the place they are staying, so, if they want land, they should approach us.”
Gbarabuleh urged the state government to come to their aid by setting up a boundary demarcation committee to ensure peace reigns between both communities.