Residents of Okuama community, located in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, are currently grappling with a deep sense of fear and outrage following the death of their 81-year-old treasurer, Pa Dennis Okugbaye, while in military custody.
This tragic loss comes just days after the passing of Pa James Oghoroko, the community’s President-General, who also died under similar circumstances in military detention.
The news of Pa Okugbaye’s death was confirmed by his son, Pastor Akpos Okugbaye, who shared the heartbreaking information on Tuesday. The announcement sent shockwaves throughout the community, already reeling from the loss of their previous leader. According to reports, Okugbaye’s family had sent over ₦401,000 for his medical treatment in the days leading up to his death, raising further concerns over the adequacy and treatment of detainees in military custody.
The deaths of these two respected leaders have fueled growing tension in Okuama, with many residents fearing that the community might once again erupt in protests. The tragic deaths are seen as part of a larger, unresolved conflict that has deeply affected the region.
The military had arrested both Okugbaye and Oghoroko, along with other community figures, including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mabel Owhemu, and Dennis Malaka, between August 18 and 20, 2024. These arrests came in the wake of a violent incident on March 14, when 17 soldiers were killed during a peacekeeping mission intended to resolve a long-standing dispute between Okuama and the neighboring Okoloba community.
In retaliation for the soldiers’ deaths, the military launched a brutal raid on Okuama, which left the community severely damaged and forced many residents to flee. Thousands sought refuge at an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in the Ewu Kingdom, a facility set up by the Delta State government. The ongoing military presence in the area, combined with the deaths of two key community leaders, has created a volatile atmosphere that threatens to escalate further.
As tensions continue to rise, many are now calling for an independent investigation into the deaths of Okugbaye, Oghoroko, and other detained community members, with a growing sense of injustice reverberating throughout Okuama.
