FROM MICHAEL EKOKORUWE:
Flood victims from Isoko South local government area at the weekend, received relief materials from the state government and were disbursed by SEMA AND NEMA Officials at the local government council secretariat Oleh.
Anonymous beneficiary that witness the disbursement said, about 200 knapsack sprayers, agricultural chemicals (insecticides and herbicides) were distributed to farmers affected by the 2018 flood from various communities of Isoko South local government area.
According to the eye witness, the SEMA, NEMA team and Mrs. Omoefe that was in charge of Isoko South local government were assisted by officials of internally displaced persons from Emede camp, staff of ministry of Agriculture and executive members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) while disbursing the materials.
The source reveal that the distribution was orderly but trouble started when more preference was given to Iyede – Ame flood victims from Ndokwa East local government area even as about 65% of materials have been disbursed.
The flood victims that queued up for the materials became apprehensive when the list of farmers from Mrs. Omoefe became more favorable to persons from Iyede – Ame. Advice given to Mrs. Omoefe to write names of farmers present and compare to names in her list was turned down.
According to the eye witness, another list of farmers as compiled by AFAN chairman that had earlier received planting materials was made available for use but Mrs. Omoefe maintained that only flood victims from internally displaced persons camp are to benefit from the disbursement.
The farmers became more apprehensive as they burgled and destroyed the window of the store were the materials were kept and looted some of the items. The ministry of Agriculture staff immediately calls the security operatives to calm the situation.
The source noted that, Mrs. Omoefe handed over the remaining materials to Mr. Chindu, AFAN chairman to continue the disbursement and left in a hurry.
But sensing that the materials will not go round the farmers, hoodlums that mixed up with the farmers forced themselves into the store – house amidst fighting and carted away the remaining items even as police dispersed them with canister and many farmers and officials from ministry of Agriculture sustained various degrees of injuries.
When contacted, Mrs. Omoefe confirmed the disbursement and stated that she is not aware of materials stolen by hoodlums as she handed over to the AFAN chairman and left the scene. Omoefe noted that the disbursement was orderly and peaceful adding that her list was exhausted before she left.
