Nigerian Community Where 17 Soldiers Were Killed, Gives FG 7 Days Ultimatum to Release Detained Leaders
The Okuama community in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and the military authorities to release all community leaders held captive in military detention.
The community is also demanding the corpse of the deceased President-General, Pa James Oghoroko, who died in military detention last week.
The crisis in Okuama began in March when 17 soldiers on a peace mission were killed, leading to a military invasion that left the town in ruins. Residents fled in fear of reprisal, and those who escaped were later accommodated at an internally displaced persons camp.
Following the killing, the army arrested several community leaders, including Pa Oghoroko, Prof Arthur Ekpekpo, and Chief Belvis Adogbo, who were kept in military detention until Pa Oghoroko’s death. The community has been thrown into mourning, and residents are demanding justice and the release of their leaders.
The community has threatened to block the River Niger if their demands are not met within the seven-day ultimatum.
“After the seven days, this river will be blocked, let the soldiers and Tinubu come and kill us so that we know that Okuama is wiped out entirely,” they said.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Elder Ohwotake Otiero said, “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. 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?”
The Urhobo Media Practitioners and Advocacy Group has condemned the detention and eventual death of Pa Oghoroko, calling for a thorough investigation and accountability.
The group has also appealed to international human rights bodies to intervene and call on the Nigerian government to respect the human rights of the Okuama people.
The community’s demands have been echoed by various leaders, including Jacob Akemor, who wondered why the Nigerian Army resorted to “impunity” in the matter.
A woman leader, Maria Adams, also called on President Tinubu to intervene, saying, “We want President Tinubu to tell us if we are still Nigerians. What is Okuama’s crime to warrant this treatment?”
Read also: Again Domestic Violence Knocks, Man Called Believe Iyamu Beats Wife To Death In Delta
Jerome Kalu
Jerome Kalu is currently the Senior Correspondent of PIJAlance in Lagos. He was previously the Campus Information Desk (CID) Editor.