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Okuama Treasurer Dies in Military Custody Despite Family’s N140,000 Payment for Transport
Okuama Treasurer Dies in Military Custody Despite Family’s N140,000 Payment for Transport
The family of 81-year-old Pa Dennis Okugbaye, the treasurer of Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, has recounted the tragic circumstances surrounding his death while in military custody on December 10, 2024.
Despite paying N140,000 for fuel at the military’s request to transport their ailing father from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Asaba, Delta State, the family said Pa Okugbaye died during the journey.
A family source, speaking anonymously for security reasons, explained:
“We were told our father was very sick and that we should send N140,000 to buy fuel to transport him to Asaba so we could take him to the hospital. We sent the money and were instructed to come to the 63 Brigade, Asaba, on Monday, December 9, to receive him. They also warned that only his daughter should receive him.”
The source further recounted how their sister waited at the barracks all day but received no word about Pa Okugbaye’s arrival.
“We contacted community leaders and even informed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of the situation. The next day, we were told our father had died on the road while being transported,” the source said.
To date, neither the military nor the Delta State Government has contacted the family regarding Pa Okugbaye’s death.
Pa Okugbaye’s death occurred less than a week after the community’s President General, Pa James Oghoroko, also died in military detention. Both men, along with four other Okuama leaders, had been arrested by the army between August 18 and 20, 2024. The arrests followed the killing of 17 soldiers during a peace mission to resolve a dispute between Okuama and Okoloba communities on March 14, 2024.
The detained leaders, including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mrs. Mabel Owhemu, and Mr. Dennis Malaka, have reportedly been held without trial since their arrest.
Efforts to obtain comments from Delta State officials, including the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, and the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
Social critic Zik Gbemre criticized Governor Oborevwori for failing to address the military’s actions.
“The reported deaths of two community leaders in military detention, alongside the continued unlawful detention of others, exposes institutional failures. Oborevwori’s refusal to hold the military accountable is shameful and incites further tension in the state,” Gbemre said in a statement.
The deaths of two prominent Okuama leaders in military custody, coupled with the continued detention of others, have sparked fears about the safety of the remaining detainees. Community members are calling for justice, transparency, and an end to what they describe as a “gross abuse of power.”
This unfolding crisis underscores deep-seated issues in the management of security and civil rights, leaving families and communities in anguish as they await accountability from both the state government and military authorities.
COAS Launches Nationwide Security Renewal Mission in Plateau
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday led a high-level delegation of security chiefs to Plateau State, flagging off a nationwide security renewal mission aimed at strengthening civil-military cooperation and restoring lasting peace across the country.
The visit to Jos, the Plateau State capital, marks the first phase of a coordinated national effort to address persistent security challenges through joint operations, community engagement, and proactive intelligence gathering.
Governor Caleb Muftwang received the delegation, describing the initiative as a critical step toward stabilizing affected communities and reinforcing public confidence in security institutions.
Civil-Military Synergy Takes Centre Stage
At the heart of the mission is a renewed emphasis on collaboration between the military, civil authorities, and local communities. Speaking during the visit, Lt. Gen. Shaibu stressed that national security must be treated as a collective responsibility.
He urged citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant, sharing credible information, and complying with lawful directives, noting that effective security cannot be achieved in isolation.
Community Engagement as Confidence-Building Tool
In a departure from purely operational engagements, the Army Chief held direct consultations with community leaders and residents in Jos, reinforcing the importance of trust and dialogue in conflict resolution.
Lawmakers, including Dachung Bagos and Ladi Dangyok, commended the initiative, stating that visible engagement by top military leadership helps rebuild confidence among citizens and fosters cooperation.
Proactive Security Operations Underway
Operational updates were provided by Major General Folusho Oyinlola, who disclosed that troops under Operation Enduring Peace have intensified surveillance, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated actions with other security agencies.
According to the Army, the approach is designed to prevent escalation of threats, safeguard lives and property, and stabilize vulnerable communities before crises emerge.
A Shift Toward Sustainable Peace
Military authorities emphasized that the Plateau visit is part of a broader, long-term strategy to transition from reactive responses to sustainable peacebuilding nationwide. The framework includes strengthening local resilience, ensuring justice, and maintaining continuous engagement with stakeholders.
Analysts view the initiative as a significant policy shift, reflecting a more inclusive security architecture that integrates community participation with military operations.
Call for National Unity
The Army leadership concluded with an appeal to Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and support ongoing efforts to promote unity and peace.
“The success of this mission depends not only on the armed forces but on the cooperation of every citizen,” the COAS stated.
The nationwide security renewal campaign is expected to extend to other regions in the coming weeks as authorities seek to consolidate gains and build a safer, more unified Nigeria.
IGP Disu Visits Plateau, Orders Tactical Deployment To Reinforce Security
The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Thursday paid a working visit to Plateau State following recent unrest, holding strategic talks with Governor Caleb Muftwang on measures to strengthen security and prevent further disturbances.
As part of immediate steps to stabilise the situation, the police chief authorised the deployment of specialised tactical units to support officers already on ground across affected areas.
Governor Muftwang commended the swift intervention of the police leadership, praising the dedication and professionalism of security personnel working to restore calm. He also acknowledged the efforts of mobile police officers and lauded the leadership of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah.
Both the Nigeria Police Force and the Plateau State Government reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that enhanced collaboration remains key to restoring lasting peace in Plateau State, popularly known as the Home of Peace and Tourism.
Grace Nation Worldwide: A Living Reality – Dr. Chris Okafor
……“Miracles, Healing, and Deliverance Overflow at Grace Nation Services”
The Grace Nation midweek Prophetic Healing, Deliverance, and Solutions (PHDS) Service on 2nd April 2026 at the international headquarters in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, was a spectacular display of God’s power, marked by miracles, healing, and deliverance.
The God of Grace Nation continues to demonstrate His authority, breaking strongholds, healing the sick, restoring lost glory, and providing solutions to every problem presented at His altar.
Testimonies of God’s Power
One woman, previously diagnosed with a terminal condition and slated for a ₦4.5 million surgery due to inability to excrete, was prayed for by the Generational Prophet, Christopher Okafor, just a week after visiting the church. Declaring healing within 24 hours, she returned to testify to God’s miraculous intervention.
Another pregnant woman, whose baby was bridged and at risk, was located and prayed for. She returned to service with confirmation that her child is now well-positioned for delivery. Similarly, a woman booked for a C-section due to an overdue and poorly positioned pregnancy testified during the service that her baby is now properly positioned, ready for birth.
These testimonies underscore the truth: what God cannot do does not exist. Grace Nation has entered a new level of spiritual authority, and with faith, believers are witnessing the impossible become reality.
God Works by Principle, Not Gossip
In his sermon, Dr. Okafor emphasized that God does not operate on superstition, gossip, or social media pressures. His work is grounded in His Word, and it is through adherence to His principles that Grace Nation continues to flourish.
The Generational Prophet stressed that to enjoy divine blessings and fruitfulness, believers must remain connected to God’s Word, faithfully serve Him, and ignore distractions or side-talks. Focused commitment to God’s service guarantees alignment with His miraculous power.
Join the Movement
Grace Nation Worldwide is open for all who desire a life transformed by divine intervention. Weekly services include:
Sunday Service: 7:00 AM
Grace Nation Island Service (Ogombo): Wednesday, 5:00 PM
Midweek PHDS Service: Thursday, 7:00 AM
Attending these services under the ministry of the Generational Prophet ensures encounters with God’s supernatural power, life-changing miracles, and lasting breakthroughs.
Grace Nation Worldwide is not just a church—it is a reality where faith meets the supernatural.
By Sunday Adeyemi
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