The Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, is in a state of deep grief and anger following the death of its 81-year-old treasurer, Dennis Okugbaye, while in military detention. His passing comes just six days after the death of the community’s President-General, James Oghoroko, who reportedly died under similar circumstances in military custody.
Akpos Okugbaye, the son of the deceased, tearfully announced his father’s death on Tuesday, sending shockwaves through a community already mourning the loss of their President-General.
Both Okugbaye and Oghoroko, along with other community leaders such as Arthur Ekpekpo, Belvis Adogbo, Mabel Owhemu, and Dennis Malaka, were arrested by the military between August 18 and 20, 2024. The arrests followed the killing of 17 soldiers on a peace mission aimed at resolving a dispute between Okuama and the neighboring Okoloba community.
In response to the soldiers’ deaths, the military launched a violent raid on Okuama, decimating the town and forcing many residents to flee to an internally displaced persons camp in Ewu Kingdom. The military’s actions have sparked widespread outrage and protests from the community, who are demanding justice and accountability.
In the wake of Okugbaye’s death, tensions have flared once again, with aggrieved Okuama youths and women renewing their seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and military. They are calling for the immediate release of all detained leaders and the return of Oghoroko’s body. Protesters have threatened drastic action, declaring, “After the seven days, this river will be blocked. Let the soldiers and Tinubu come and kill us so that we know Okuama is wiped out entirely.”
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Elder Ohwotake Otiero condemned the deaths in military custody and demanded the release of the detained leaders. “We will take the laws into our hands because we have been pushed to the wall. Why should our P-G be killed through torture?” Otiero said.
Despite numerous attempts to obtain comments from military authorities, there has been no official response to the situation. Human rights organizations and civil society groups have rallied behind the Okuama community, calling for an immediate investigation into the deaths of Pa Oghoroko and Okugbaye.
During a joint press conference held in Warri on International Human Rights Day, advocacy groups led by Edewor Egedegbe of the Value Rebirth & Empower Initiative and John Ebireri of the Ewu Clan Development Forum condemned the prolonged detention of Okuama leaders without trial. The groups highlighted that the detainees have been held for over 113 days without charges, which they argue is a clear violation of their constitutional rights.
“We demand that you (President Tinubu) order the immediate and unconditional release of Arthur Ekpekpo, Dennis Okugbaye, Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Amalaka, and Owhemu Mabel, as well as any other detained Okuama indigene. We also demand the establishment of a special commission of inquiry to investigate the March 14 crisis, the military’s reprisal, and the burning of Okuama,” the advocacy groups stated.
The Urhobo Media Practitioners and Advocacy Group also condemned the military’s actions, describing them as a gross violation of human rights. They called for international human rights organizations to intervene and demanded a fair and impartial investigation into the killings of the soldiers and the subsequent military reprisals.
As the ultimatum approaches its expiration, the situation in Okuama remains tense, with residents vowing to take further action if their demands for justice are not met.
