The Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, staged a protest on Sunday following the death of their President-General, Pa James Oghoroko, in military custody.
The community issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army, demanding the release of their detained leaders or face potential unrest.
The protestors, although peaceful, were visibly angry over the death of their PG and the ongoing detention without trial of five other community leaders.
They threatened to block access to the River Niger if their demands were not met within the given timeframe.
Pa Oghoroko, along with Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Okugbaye, Dennis Malaka, Madam Mabel, and another individual, were reportedly arrested between August 18 and 20, 2024, and have since been held in undisclosed locations.
Elder Ohwotake Otiero, who led the protest, expressed outrage over the PG’s death under military detention.
Speaking in Urhobo, Otiero said, “We are in mourning due to the death of Oghoroko in military custody. If this is true, the government should prepare for trouble. We demand the release of our detained leaders and the return of our PG’s body immediately. If our demands are not met within seven days, we will block the river. Let the soldiers and President Tinubu come and kill us all.”
Women leaders also voiced their concerns. Maria Adams, one of the protestors, stated, “Our PG was innocent, yet he was arrested and has now died in detention. President Tinubu must tell us if we are still Nigerians. Okuama deserves justice.”
Evuarherhe Joseph added, “The Federal Government and Army treat us as though we don’t matter. Now our PG is gone, and others are sick in detention. If our leaders are not released in seven days, we will act.”
Hon. Jacob Akemor, another community leader, condemned the Nigerian Army’s actions, calling them unlawful.
“How can the Army arrest people and not bring them to court? This is a violation of the law. Our PG is dead, and others are in poor health. The government must intervene within seven days to avoid further unrest,” Akemor said.
Protester Roseline Okumagba also condemned the treatment of the Okuama community, saying, “Our PG has been killed without reason. The detained leaders must be released immediately, or we will take action. The government must act now before things escalate further.”
The Okuama community is calling for urgent action to resolve their grievances, warning that failure to address their concerns could lead to significant unrest.
