Tension In Okuama As Another Leader, Dennis Okugbaye, Dies In Military Custody
The death of 81-year-old treasurer of Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Dennis Okugbaye, in military detention has thrown the community into tension and probable violence. This comes about six days after the community’s President-General, Pa James Oghoroko, also died in military detention.
Didactic Information Hut recalls that Oghoroko, Okugbaye, alongside other leaders of the community including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mrs. Mabel Owhemu, and Mr. Dennis Malaka, were arrested by the military between August 18 and 20, 2024.
Their arrests followed the killing of 17 soldiers on a peace mission aimed at resolving a dispute between Okuama and the neighboring Okoloba community on March 17.
The military had responded to the soldiers’ deaths with a violent raid on Okuama, which reduced the town to ruins and forced residents to flee to an internally displaced persons camp in Ewu Kingdom, established by the Delta State government.
The death of the community treasurer, was announced by his Son, Pastor Akpos Okugbaye.
The news of Pa Okugbaye has shocked the mourning community, resulting in protests.
During the protests, aggrieved Okuama youths and women, issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and the military, demanding the release of all detained leaders and the return of Pa Oghoroko’s corpse.
“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,” protesters declared on Sunday.
Elder Ohwotake Otiero who spoke on behalf of the protesters condemned the deaths and called for immediate action:
“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 P-G be killed through torture?”
