The Okuama community in Delta State’s Ughelli South Local Government Area is engulfed in grief and fury following the death of its 81-year-old treasurer, Dennis Okugbaye, in military custody. This tragedy, announced on Tuesday by his son, Pastor Akpos Okugbaye, comes just six days after the community’s President-General, Pa James Oghoroko, also reportedly died under similar circumstances while detained.
The deaths have reignited protests among Okuama residents, who have been demanding justice and the release of their detained leaders since the military’s violent reprisal raid on the community in March.
A Community Under Siege
The crisis began on March 14 when 17 soldiers, on a peace mission to mediate a dispute between Okuama and the neighboring Okoloba community, were killed. In retaliation, the military razed Okuama, forcing its residents to flee to an internally displaced persons camp in Ewu Kingdom.
Between August 18 and 20, the military arrested several community leaders, including Pa Oghoroko, Pa Okugbaye, Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mrs. Mabel Owhemu, and Mr. Dennis Malaka. Over 113 days later, most remain in detention without trial.
The deaths of Okuama’s treasurer and president-general have amplified outrage within the community and beyond.
Renewed Protests and Ultimatums
Okuama youths and women have 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 body.
“If nothing is done after seven days, we will block the river. Let the soldiers and Tinubu come and kill us so we know Okuama is wiped out entirely,” protesters declared.
Elder Ohwotake Otiero, speaking for the protesters, expressed their anger:
“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?”
Calls for Justice
Civil society organisations and human rights groups have condemned the military’s actions. At a press conference in Warri marking International Human Rights Day, advocates decried the prolonged detention of Okuama leaders and the deaths of Pa Oghoroko and Pa Okugbaye.
Pastor Edewor Egedegbe of the Value Rebirth & Empower Initiative and Sir John Ebireri of the Ewu Clan Development Forum demanded accountability:
“This is a gross violation of fundamental human rights and an affront to the rule of law. The detainees must be released, and an inquiry into the military’s actions is urgently needed.”
The Urhobo Media Practitioners and Advocacy Group also criticized the military’s response as a “blatant violation of human dignity,” while urging international human rights organizations to intervene.
A Worsening Crisis
As the community’s ultimatum draws closer to its expiration, tensions remain high. Protesters have vowed to escalate their actions if their demands are not met.
The Okuama tragedy has become a litmus test for Nigeria’s commitment to justice, human rights, and reconciliation. The Federal Government and military face mounting pressure to address the situation before the crisis spirals further out of control.
