No fewer than 800 Ebonyi State indigenes, displaced after their homes were demolished in Ilaje village, have returned to Abakaliki.
The returnees, mostly women and children, arrived in batches over several days, expressing gratitude to Governor Francis Nwifuru for responding swiftly.
Among the 1,200 affected persons, many recounted distressing experiences, alleging their properties and business wares were looted during the forced eviction.
Sunday Njoku, who lived in Lagos for 25 years, praised the government’s intervention and pleaded for financial aid to rebuild.
Government Response and Repatriation Efforts
The Commissioner for Special Duties, Valentine Okike-Uzo, coordinated the exercise, confirming 800 people opted to return after government assurances.
Okike-Uzo clarified that Ebonyi indigenes were not the only victims but commended the state government’s swift response to the crisis.
Officials reported that some victims chose to remain in Lagos, fearing challenges associated with starting life over in villages.
The Ebonyi government has yet to announce specific reintegration plans, but expectations remain high for financial aid and resettlement.
