The Ebonyi State Government, alongside Hon. Nkemkanma Kama, the representative for Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo in the House of Representatives, has initiated the evacuation of over 1,000 stranded Ebonyi indigenes from Ilaje village in Lagos. This action follows a demolition carried out by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) that affected many residents in the area.
Mr. Valentine Okike-Uzo, the State Commissioner for Special Duties and Focal Person for the Ebonyi State Diaspora Office, reported that the governor, Francis Nwifuru, ordered the immediate evacuation of those stranded. The evacuation process began on March 10, 2025, after the news of the demolition reached the state government. The governor provided transportation and logistics support, leading to the dispatch of trucks and luxury buses to facilitate the return of the indigenes to Ebonyi State.
Despite the evacuation efforts, many of the affected indigenes have expressed reluctance to leave, with some insisting they do not want to relocate. Officials are urging them to consider the safety and well-being of their children, who are exposed to hazardous conditions in the aftermath of the demolition. Additional transportation resources are being mobilized to assist those willing to return.
Hon. Kama has reported that approximately 251 individuals, primarily from the old Ohaozara area, have already been evacuated. He assured that those who wish to return to Lagos later will be assisted in doing so. The focus remains on providing shelter and support for the evacuated individuals as they determine their next steps.
This situation highlights the challenges faced by residents in areas undergoing significant urban development and the need for effective government intervention in times of crisis.
