Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has assured that the state government will address the immediate and long term needs of Ayankoromo community in Burutu Local Government Area which was attacked by the military in search of militant leader, John Togo.Uduaghan, who addressed members of the community after assessing the level of damage it suffered in the attack last month expressed regret over the destruction of houses and dislocation of the social and economic life of the people.

He stated that a temporary health clinic would be set up, while the State Ministry of Education would work out modalities for the re-opening of schools in the community, adding that more relief materials would be provided to alleviate the hardship faced by the people.

“ The immediate needs of the community , those who sleep in the open and have no access to food and medical care as a result of the crisis need immediate help. As a Government, we cannot afford to see our people suffer. We must find a way of alleviating the suffering of the people,” he said.

The Governor explained  that John Togo refused to heed the state government’s appeal to shun militancy and engage in productive ventures. “I have been saying  that the period for carrying guns is over because when such crisis occur, it affects everyone. What happened to John Togo has now impacted negatively on the Ayankoromo community”, he said.

Chairman of the Ayankoromo Community, Mr.Disi Garuba told the Governor that John Togo, who is an indigene of the area, had an armed confrontation with soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force (JTF) late last year, which resulted in a retaliatory attack on the community by the soldiers.

He said the attack claimed lives, alleging that the soldiers burnt down houses and fishing equipment of his people.Mr Garuba appealed to the State Government to come to the aid of the community through the provision of food items, health and educational facilities.

He called fot the release of members of the community still being held by the JTF and the commencement of the voter registration in the area, and called for the return of those who fled the community in the wake of the attack had returned. The Ayakoromo leader also called for the construction of the Igbo-Ayankoromo Bridge and a general hospital to address the development problems of the people.