More than two years after thousands of residents were displaced by an inter-communal conflict in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, Governor Peter Mbah has flagged off the reintegration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Umualor community, assuring them of adequate security and government support to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
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The reintegration programme, held at Aba Square, Umualor, marked the official return of displaced residents from Odobido, Egerum, Ikeagwu, Igbogobe and other affected hamlets in Umuezuboke community.
The exercise, coordinated by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Strategic Communications, Dr. Collins Ogbu, also featured the distribution of relief materials by the Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to support the resettlement of affected families.
The event attracted the Director-General of SEMA, Mrs. Chinasa Mba; Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Barr. Obiora Obeagu; member representing Isi-Uzo Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Gabriel Eze; traditional rulers, religious leaders, community stakeholders, women and youth groups.
Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Ogbu commended Governor Mbah for what he described as a compassionate response to the plight of displaced residents, noting that the intervention reflected the administration’s commitment to protecting lives and restoring hope in affected communities.
He said the Governor’s approval of the reintegration followed sustained engagements and advocacy aimed at drawing government attention to the humanitarian situation in Umualor.
According to him, the intervention has restored confidence among the affected residents and demonstrated that the government remains committed to their welfare.
Also speaking, Barr. Obeagu assured the returning families that security had improved significantly, urging them to return to their ancestral homes without fear.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sustaining peace in the area, while highlighting ongoing infrastructure projects in Isi-Uzo, including the Owo–Umualor–Ikem dual-carriage highway, Smart Green Schools, Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres and enhanced security initiatives.
The council chairman also donated cash and 100 bags of fertilizer to support the return of the displaced persons to farming and other productive activities.
In separate goodwill messages, the Parish Priest of St. Anthony’s Parish, Umualor, Rev. Fr. Francis Ede, Hon. Gabriel Eze and the Traditional Prime Minister of Umualor, Onowu Thomas Agbo, praised the state government for responding to the needs of the affected communities and facilitating the return of displaced residents.
The highlight of the programme was the presentation of relief materials by SEMA, with thousands of beneficiaries receiving food items and other essentials to aid their resettlement.
Residents, many of whom had lived in displacement since the 2024 conflict that reportedly claimed seven lives and forced over 10,000 people to flee their homes, celebrated the development with songs and dancing, describing it as the beginning of a new chapter of peace and recovery.
The state government said the reintegration exercise forms part of its broader commitment to restoring normalcy in conflict-affected communities and ensuring that displaced families return home safely with the support needed to rebuild their lives.
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