BY PETER OKUTU
ABAKALIKI— Ebonyi State government, yesterday, evacuated 283 persons, including indigenes of Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom and Delta states from Borno State due to the menace of the Boko Haram sect.

The victims, who arrived Abakaliki, at 2:30 p.m. in six buses, guarded by  heavily- armed policemen, looked unkempt and desirous of emotional and financial assistance.

Vanguard reliably gathered that Ebonyi State government sent six buses to Maiduguri  last Saturday on a rescue mission which was concluded yesterday.

Those evacuated included 68 indigenes of Ebonyi State; Enugu, 23; Anambra, 24; Imo, 33; Abia, 28; Akwa Ibom, 6, and Delta, 1.

Receiving the victims at Government House, Abakaliki, Governor Martin Elechi condemned activities of the Boko Haram sect, adding that his government was committed to uplifting the well-being of every Nigerian.

Elechi, who was moved by the condition of the victims, directed the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Fidelis Mbam, to disburse  N20,000 each to them.

He also instructed that vehicles should be made available to convey them to their respective destinations, irrespective of state of origin.

He said:   “Let us thank God that those of them who were in difficult environment in Borno State have come back.   There was no report of injuries on the way; we thank God for the journey mercies.

“So without any further delay, I know they are hungry, and tired and are itching to see their dear ones at home. We have to make vehicles available for them. So they have to start going to their different states. And when you get home, you know where to report, Government House of your state. We will provide each of them N20,000 so that they can buy food and eat.

“Each of the men and drivers should also be given the same treatment so that they leave immediately. That to me is easier than looking for a place to accommodate them. So we thank God.”