5 hours Ago By Our Reporters
The Delta State Government has demanded an autopsy on the deceased leaders of the Okuama community, to determine the cause of death while in military custody. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Festus Ahon, in Asaba, on Tuesday, stressed the need for transparency and accountability in addressing the incident. He, therefore, urged all stakeholders to remain calm.
The President General of the Okuama community, Pa James Oghoroko and Treasurer, Pa Denis Okugbaye reportedly died in barely a week’s succession in military detention. The 81-year-old Pa Okugbaye was reported dead on December 10, 2024, while being transported by the military to Asaba from Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The family, according to sources, paid N140,000 for fuel as demanded by the military to transport him to Asaba for medical treatment.
Uncertainty, however, surrounds the fate of Pa Okugbaye, whose family is seeking confirmation of his rumoured survival. A family representative said, “We heard rumours that our father is alive, but we cannot confirm this yet. We have sent a delegation to Port Harcourt to verify the information, and we will update you once we get confirmation.
” The PUNCH gathered as of the time of filing this report that Pa Okugbaye was receiving treatment at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, as he was released on bail to the lawmaker representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone, by the military. Those who reportedly witnessed Pa Okugbaye’s release were Charles Adogbo, Adelabu Bodjor and Rev Peter Gordon, an Anglican priest from the Okuama community. Related News Delta gov calls for calm, promises probe into Okuama leaders' death Family faults Oborevwori's silence on deaths of Okuama leaders in military custody Niger Delta group demands release of Okuama leaders from army custody The community leaders, Pa Oghoroko, Pa Okugbaye, Prof Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mrs Mabel Owhemu and Mr Dennis Malaka, were, between August 18 and 20, 2024, arrested by the army and were kept in detention without trial.
Their arrests followed the killing of 17 soldiers on a peace mission to resolve the tussle between Okuama and Okoloba communities on March 14, 2024. The Delta State government and the military authorities had remained silent on the issue until the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, ordered an investigation into the deaths. Speaking on Tuesday, Oborevwori said, “It is reassuring that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Pa James Oghorokor, a prominent Okuama leader.
” The governor stressed that the government remained in contact with the army authorities to ensure the matter was investigated. He reiterated the state’s demand for an autopsy while promising to make the findings public. “As a government, we are saddened by this unfortunate development, and we extend our profound condolences to the family of the deceased and the Okuama community.
“We are hopeful that the autopsy report will bring clarity and closure,” the statement added. The developments have stirred tension in the region. However, the governor urged all parties to remain law-abiding as efforts to uncover the truth unfolded.
.
