Tensions Rise as Another Okuama Community Leader Dies in Military Custody
Dennis Okugbaye, the 81-year-old treasurer of the Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, has died while in military detention. His death comes just six days after the passing of Pa James Oghoroko, the community’s President-General, who also died in custody.
Both men, along with other community leaders, were detained by the military between August 18 and 20, 2024, following the killing of 17 soldiers on March 14. The soldiers were on a peace mission to mediate a conflict between Okuama and the neighboring Okoloba community when they were ambushed and killed.
In response to the soldiers’ deaths, the military launched a violent raid on Okuama, destroying much of the town and displacing residents, who fled to a camp in Ewu Kingdom established by the Delta State government.
Okugbaye’s son, Pastor Akpos Okugbaye, confirmed his father’s death on December 10, further deepening the grief and unrest in the community.
The death of Pa Okugbaye has intensified protests by Okuama residents. On Tuesday, youths and women in the community reiterated their seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and military authorities, demanding the immediate release of all detained leaders and the return of Pa Oghoroko’s body.
Speaking during a protest, community representative Elder Ohwotake Otiero decried the deaths in custody and warned of escalating tensions if their demands were not met:
“We demand the release of Pa Oghoroko’s corpse and all detained leaders without delay. If this continues, we will have no choice but to take the law into our own hands. Why should our President-General be tortured to death?”
Protesters also threatened to block local waterways and challenged the government and military to take further action, expressing fears that their community could face total annihilation.