A retired military officer of the Nigerian Army, Christopher Nkpuru, has cried out to the Ebonyi State Governor, Nigeria Legion and kind Nigerians to assist him and his family members have a roof over their head.
Nkpuru, who hails from a crisis ravaged area of Igbeagu community in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State said if his retirement entitlements had been paid to him, he would have built a house and shelter his family members.
According to the retiree, he retired from the Army as WO2 rank, adding that the house he built while in service got demolished at Acha Acha 1 village during Igbeagu and Ukelle communal crisis in Cross River State.
The 67-year-old retired soldier regretted that his entitlements were withheld by the authorities of the Nigerian Army which is why he is not able to erect another building.
He said he has resorted to working as a gateman for people to be able to put food on his table.
Nkpuru, while narrating his predicaments to The Point in an exclusive interview, said, “I am a native of Acha Acha 1 village of Igbeagu community in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. My rank before retirement was WO2, which is RSM. My house was destroyed by Ukelle people during the crisis between Igbeagu and Ukelle people.
“Since then, I have been without a roof over my head. I am now 67 years old and I have no other hope to rebuild my house. I am living in a people’s house which brings me and my family unnecessary insults, we have no privacy. People move in and out of the house at will without regard to the fact that I have a wife and children. My wife cannot say anything to them for the fear of being forcefully ejected out of the apartment.
‘So, I appeal to the state government, the authorities of the Nigerian legion and all people of goodwill to assist me to have a roof over my head. My adult child who would have assisted me left for Bayelsa State for greener pastures for eleven years now and we have not heard from him. I don’t even know if he is still alive.
“Currently, I work as a gateman for people to put food on my table, I cannot afford erecting a house for my family.”