The Rivers State Government says it will standby the victims and families of election violence in Abonnema with a view of giving them succour.
The State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo stated this when the Committee on Intervention for families of victims of violence in Abonnema, during the Presidential and National Assembly Elections of 23rd February, 2019 visited the Amayanabo of Abonnema, King Disrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel at his Palace in Abonnema on Friday 22nd March, 2019.
According to Dr. Banigo the State Chief Executive, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike set up the committee headed by her humble self to interface with the community, identify people that suffered from this attack, reach out to their dependants and to let them know Government is concerned about their plight.
“His Excellency wants you to know how much he cares, how much he sympathizes and how he is ready to support this community to go through this horrible event” She stressed.
The Deputy Governor who expressed regrets that many innocent lives were cut short for participating in a normal process called election prayed that such a tragic incident would never happen again.
She said the Almighty God would execute judgement against the enemies of the State and thanked the good people of Akuku Toru Local Government for their support to Governor Wike.
In his remarks the Amayanabo of Abonnema, King Disrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel said the people are still traumatized by what happened to them, stressing that it was unbelievable that in peace time the people could suffer more than they did during the civil war.
He noted that there was no insurgency or militancy in the area to warrant such wanton destruction of lives and property in Abonnema, noting that even his Palace was not spared.
The monarch said the Council of Chiefs had come up with a compendium of victims of the Election Violence which was handed over to the Deputy Governor during the visit.
The Deputy Governor and her team also visited several bereaved families in Abonnema and assured them of Government’s support.
