The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has ordered an immediate investigation into the reported deaths of two Okuama community leaders, Pa James Oghoroko and Dennis Okugbaye, while in military custody.
According to community sources, Mr. Oghoroko, the President-General of the Okuama community, and 81-year-old Mr. Okugbaye, the community’s treasurer, died six days apart after being detained by the military.
Here’s a brief background on the events leading up to their detention and deaths:
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Initial Incident: 17 soldiers were killed on March 14, 2024, during a peace mission to mediate a dispute between Okuama and the neighboring Okoloba community.
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Military Operation: A military operation was conducted between August 18 and 20, 2024, during which six community leaders, including Oghoroko and Okugbaye, were arrested. The other four leaders arrested are:
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Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo
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Chief Belvis Adogbo
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Mrs. Mabel Owhemu
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Mr. Dennis Malaka
Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, confirmed that the CDS has tasked the Nigerian Army’s 6th Division with investigating the allegations and submitting a report. Gusau assured the public that the findings of the investigation would be made available once the report is submitted to the CDS.
