Tension As Another Okuama Leader Dies In Military Detention

Residents of Okuama, located in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, are in a state of shock and grief following the death of Pa Dennis Okugbaye, the 81-year-old treasurer of the community, while in military custody.

This tragic event came just six days after the President-General of the community, Pa James Oghoroko, also passed away under similar circumstances in military detention.

The death of Pa Dennis was confirmed by his son, Pastor Akpos Okugbaye, on Tuesday. Reports indicate that the family had spent over ₦401,000 between Monday and Tuesday on his medical treatment. The news of his demise has left the community mourning deeply and fearful of renewed tensions or protests in response to the loss of their leaders.

The situation in Okuama has been tense since August 2024, when several community leaders, including Okugbaye, Oghoroko, Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mabel Owhemu, and Dennis Malaka, were arrested by the military. These arrests followed the violent death of 17 soldiers on March 14, 2024, during a peace mission to resolve a conflict between Okuama and the neighboring Okoloba community.

The military had responded to the soldiers’ death with a devastating raid on Okuama, leaving the community in ruins and forcing its residents to flee to an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp set up in the Ewu Kingdom by the Delta State government. Many now fear that the recent deaths of two prominent leaders in military custody may further inflame tensions in the already fragile community.

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