Okuama Residents Protest Death of PG, Demand Justice

DELTA: Residents of Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and Nigerian Army to release their detained leaders, following the alleged death of their President-General, Pa James Oghoroko, in military detention

During a peaceful but intense protest on Sunday, community members demanded justice for their late leader and the immediate release of six others arrested in August. The protesters warned that failure to address their demands would compel them to block the River Niger in protest.

Speaking at the protest, Elder Ohwotake Otiero expressed deep anger, stating, *“We are in mourning because of the news that Oghoroko is dead in military detention. If this is true, the government should prepare for the consequences.

“We demand the immediate release of his corpse and the others still in detention. If nothing is done within seven days, we will block the River Niger. Let President Tinubu and the soldiers come and finish us if that is their plan for Okuama.”*

Maria Adams, a community leader, decried the arrests and alleged death, saying, “Our PG was innocent. What crime did he commit? Why is Okuama being treated like we are not Nigerians? We demand action now!”

Evuarherhe Joseph echoed similar sentiments, calling for urgent intervention. “The Federal Government and the Army have been treating us like outcasts. Now that they’ve killed our PG, we want the remaining detainees freed within seven days, or they will hear from us,” she said.

Hon. Jacob Akemor criticized the Nigerian Army’s actions, describing them as lawless. “Is the Army above the law? Why abduct and detain people without trial? Now, our PG is dead, and others are reportedly sick. We demand their release to prevent further unrest,” he stated.

Roseline Okumagba, another protester, added, “This is a dark time for Okuama. No court has found our community guilty of any crime, yet our leaders are being held and killed in detention. The government must act now to avoid chaos.”

Okuama has been in the spotlight since the arrests of its leaders, including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Okugbaye, Dennis Malaka, Madam Mabel, and others, between August 18 and 20, 2024.

Community members say they have faced continuous intimidation, leaving them distressed and marginalized. With tensions escalating, the ultimatum places the government under pressure to address the grievances of the Okuama people and ensure justice for the late President-General.