…As one member allegedly commits suicide, others fall sick, run into depression
Lokoja GSM Village operators, situated across from Jaiz Bank, are once again soliciting Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo’s assistance.
The members’ appeal stems from Governor Ododo’s pledge that the state government would assist in reconstructing the Kpata GSM village devastated by fire and provide relief to mitigate members’ losses, enabling victims to recover their livelihoods.
Addressing Journalists in Lokoja, the State capital on Saturday, one of the operators, Friday Ajeka, a 32 year old indigene of Ofu Local Government Area affected by the inferno had on 26 October, committed suicide, with many of the operators facing one health challenge
During his on-site assessment of the fire outbreak’s destruction, Governor Ododo assured victims of his administration’s support.
Following his expression of sympathy for those affected by the fire, the Governor deemed the resulting damage a disturbing trend and vowed to facilitate the recovery of GSM village entrepreneurs and other fire victims, thereby mitigating the impact on their economic well-being.
But months after, the affected persons are still in a state of confusion, leading to depression with one case of a member said to have committed suicide owing to the loan he collected from Jaiz and Access Bank.
The GSM village has, according to numerous affected individuals, served as a reliable and legitimate source of livelihood for many youths and women in the state, while also contributing positively to the state’s economic growth.
Despite Gov. Ododo’s assuranced of immediate relief, the operators remain uncertain about the State Government’s intentions for rebuilding and recovery of their properties damaged in the fire disaster, as no progress or updates have been communicated.
Murtala Mohammed, speaking on behalf of the operators, appealed to Governor Ododo for swift intervention, emphasizing the devastating effects on their well-being due to the loss of their income sources.
“As breadwinners, we men are losing our dignity as we struggle to provide for our families, comprised of wives and children. Our women’s honour is also at stake due to lack of support. We call on Gov. Ododo to intervene.”
“The Governor’s people-focused policies have been impressive since he took office, especially in civil service and Local Government reforms. We would like to bring to his attention, amidst his busy schedule, the urgent needs of our members, who are rapidly losing hope and, sadly, experiencing daily losses that necessitate his timely intervention.”
The GSM operators appreciated Governor Ododo’s efforts in strengthening the State’s human capital and urged the Chief Servant to provide necessary support for their revitalization.
