Emotions ran high at Ifiang Ayong, as Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade handed over an ultra-modern housing estate to the displaced people of Bakassi who returned to Nigeria after the ceding of the oil rich Peninsula to Cameroon by the Federal Government in 2006.
The fully furnished 2-bedroom housing units are a relief for the Bakassi Returnees who have for almost 15 years been living in a camp at the primary school in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of the State.
A prominent Bakassi indigene, Senator Florence Ita- Giwa, who has been championing the cause of the displaced people wept as Governor Ayade, assisted by the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, handed over the keys of the buildings to the beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ayade expressed delight at the completion of the housing scheme and subsequent delivery to the displaced persons, adding that their sufferings have always been at his heart.
Some of the beneficiaries, mostly looking frail, also shedded tears of joy as keys to their houses were handed to them. It was an emotional scene when key to one of the houses was given to one of the oldest displaced person who is also a widow.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
