The Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, has been thrust into grief and outrage following the death of its 81-year-old treasurer, Dennis Okugbaye, in military detention. His passing comes just six days after the death of the community’s President-General, Pa James Oghoroko, who also reportedly died under similar circumstances in military custody.
These developments have sparked renewed protests and demands for accountability, with residents and advocacy groups condemning the military’s actions and calling for immediate intervention from the Federal Government.
Tragic Deaths in Detention
The deaths of Pa Oghoroko and Pa Okugbaye have left the Okuama community reeling. Pastor Akpos Okugbaye, son of the late treasurer, tearfully announced his father’s demise on Tuesday, further heightening tensions in the already mourning community. Both men were among several community leaders arrested by the military between August 18 and 20, 2024, in connection with the March 14 killing of 17 soldiers on a peace mission to resolve a land dispute between Okuama and the neighboring Okoloba community.
Following the soldiers’ deaths, the military retaliated with a violent raid on Okuama, destroying homes, reducing the town to rubble, and displacing thousands of residents. Many survivors have since sought refuge in an internally displaced persons camp established by the Delta State government in Ewu Kingdom.
Renewed Protests and Ultimatum
The death of Pa Okugbaye has reignited protests in Okuama. On Tuesday, youths and women from the community renewed a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and the military, demanding the immediate release of all detained leaders and the return of Pa Oghoroko’s body.
“We will block this river after seven days. Let the soldiers and Tinubu come and kill us so that we know Okuama is wiped out entirely,” protesters declared.
Elder Ohwotake Otiero, speaking on behalf of the protesters, condemned the deaths and demanded immediate action, stating, “We want the corpse and those detained to be released immediately. We will take the laws into our hands because we have been pushed to the wall. Why should our President-General be killed through torture?”
Advocacy Groups Demand Accountability
Human rights organizations and civil society groups have joined the call for justice. At a joint press conference in Warri to mark International Human Rights Day, advocacy leaders condemned the prolonged detention of Okuama leaders without trial.
“These individuals have been in detention for over 113 days without any charge brought against them,” said Pastor Edewor Egedegbe of Value Rebirth & Empower Initiative and Sir John Ebireri of the Ewu Clan Development Forum. “This is a clear violation of their fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution. Their detention breaches the principles of democracy and the rule of law.”
The groups called on President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate and unconditional release of all detained Okuama leaders, including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mrs. Mabel Owhemu, and Mr. Dennis Amalaka. They also demanded the formation of a special commission of inquiry to investigate the March 14 incident, the military’s subsequent reprisal, and the destruction of Okuama.
Media and Advocacy Groups Condemn Military Actions
The Urhobo Media Practitioners and Advocacy Group also criticized the military’s actions, describing them as a gross violation of human rights and the dignity of Okuama residents. In a statement signed by Mr. Okpare Theophilus Onojeghen, Chief Omafume Amurun, and Comrade Shedrack Onitsha, the group called for an unbiased investigation into both the killing of the soldiers and the military’s retaliation.
“This incident is a gross violation of human rights and an affront to the dignity of the Okuama people,” the group said. They urged international human rights organizations to intervene and ensure accountability.
“As a body of media practitioners, we will continue to condemn the gruesome and unjustified killing of the 17 military personnel. While we console the grieving families, we demand an unbiased and holistic probe into the tragic incident,” the group added.
Rising Tensions and the Path Forward
Tensions in Okuama remain high as the seven-day ultimatum draws closer to expiration. Community members have vowed to take drastic measures if their demands are not met, raising fears of further conflict.
The Federal Government and military authorities have yet to comment on the deaths or address the community’s grievances, leaving residents feeling abandoned and increasingly desperate. Advocacy groups have warned that the continued lack of action risks escalating the situation, potentially leading to more unrest.
Calls for Government Intervention
The Okuama crisis underscores the urgent need for accountability and conflict resolution mechanisms in Nigeria. Human rights advocates are urging President Tinubu and relevant authorities to prioritize dialogue with the community and ensure justice for the affected families.
Establishing an independent commission of inquiry to investigate the deaths of Pa Oghoroko and Pa Okugbaye, as well as the broader events surrounding the March 14 killings and subsequent reprisals, could help rebuild trust and provide a path toward reconciliation.
As the situation unfolds, the Okuama community’s demands for justice, dignity, and accountability remain a clarion call to the Nigerian government and the international community.
