The 2 Brigade Nigerian Army has urged residents of Essien Udim communities that fled their homes following the crisis in March to return home, assuring them of adequate security of lives and property.
The Commander, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Inuwa, said this when he declared open free medical outreach for residents of the communities on Tuesday in Essien Udim.
Inuwa said the exercise which was conducted in two different locations of Ukana Uwa West and Ikot Afanga villages halls was in commemoration of Nigerian Army Day of Celebration (NADCEL) 2021.
He said that the outreach became necessary due to crisis which had affected the area in recent times causing people to desert their homes.
The commander expressed happiness for the people having confidence in the army and turn out for the outreach and assured them of adequate security around the communities.
“The essence of this exercise is to provide free medical outreach. We selected these areas because they have some security issues and some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who are just coming to resettle.
“We felt it necessary that we should also come and do a medical outreach to further the assistance provided by the state government.
“The turn out is very encouraging, because apart from those people within the communities, those from IDP camps have left their camp to participate and benefit from the exercise.
Speaking on behalf of the benefiting communities, former Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area, Mr John Ekanem, commended the army for the free medical outreach.
Ekanem said that the crisis situation in the area had created enough problems to so many families, adding that so many dreams have been shattered.
“We do appreciate the Chief of Army Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for coming out with large heart to help us in this time of our need.
“We appreciate the Commander for also coming to our aid. The communities had been displaced since March this year. The elderly and women people you have seen here, were all displaced since that time.
Beneficiaries included a 60 year old widow, Mrs Patricia Inyang, who said that her health has been very bad since the commencement of the crisis, but there was no money for her to get medical treatment.
She thanked the Nigerian Army for providing the medical outreach program which has helped her and other vulnerable people in the affected commuities.
