The family of 81-year-old Pa Dennis Okugbaye, the treasurer of the Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, has shared details about his tragic death while in military detention on December 10, 2024. This revelation comes amid silence from the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and the military authorities six days after the incident.
Family’s Account of Events
Family members, who preferred to remain anonymous due to security concerns, disclosed to journalists that they were asked to pay ₦140,000 for fuel to facilitate the transportation of their ailing father from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Asaba, Delta State.
“We were told that our father was very sick and needed to be transported to Asaba, where we could take him to the hospital,” one source said. “We sent the money and were instructed to come to the 63 Brigade in Asaba on Monday, December 9, to receive him. However, only his daughter was allowed to meet him.”
According to the family, they arrived in Asaba as instructed, but despite waiting at the military barracks until around 5 pm, there was no communication. They subsequently reached out to community leaders and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, but no resolution was provided.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Arrest
The military detained Pa Okugbaye alongside other Okuama community leaders following the death of 17 soldiers who were killed on March 14, 2024, during a peace mission to mediate a land dispute between Okuama and Okoloba communities. Those arrested include:
- Pa James Oghoroko (community president-general, now deceased in detention)
- Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo
- Chief Belvis Adogbo
- Mrs. Mabel Owhemu
- Mr. Dennis Malaka
The leaders were arrested between August 18 and 20, 2024, and have remained in detention without trial. Pa Okugbaye’s death follows the earlier demise of Pa Oghoroko, who also died in military custody just a week prior.
Institutional Failures and Public Criticism
The death of the Okuama leaders has sparked widespread outrage, with criticism directed at the state government and military authorities for what many view as gross abuse of power and failure to ensure justice.
A social critic, Mr. Zik Gbemre, condemned Governor Oborevwori for his lack of action. In a statement issued on Sunday, Gbemre expressed dismay over the continued detention and death of community leaders.
“The reported deaths of Pa Okugbaye and Pa Oghoroko in military detention, alongside the fear for the lives of the remaining detainees, expose the worsening institutional failures in Delta State,” Gbemre said.
He further accused the governor of abdicating his responsibilities as the state’s chief security officer. “Oborevwori’s refusal to call the army to order amid these abuses of power is shameful and unacceptable,” he added. “The situation in Delta State in recent days is appalling, inciting, and disgraceful.”
Official Silence and Calls for Accountability
Efforts to obtain comments from Delta State’s Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Festus Ahon, have been unsuccessful. Calls and messages sent to both officials went unanswered at the time of this report.
Meanwhile, the Okuama community continues to mourn its leaders while appealing for justice and the release of the remaining detainees.
Broader Implications
The deaths of these leaders in military custody have raised significant concerns about human rights violations and the misuse of military power in civil matters. Advocacy groups are calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrests and deaths of the Okuama leaders.
The Okuama incident serves as a reminder of the need for adherence to the rule of law and the protection of fundamental human rights, even in complex situations involving communal disputes. The silence of the state government and military authorities only deepens public distrust and calls into question the accountability of institutions tasked with safeguarding lives.
