Okuama Crisis: Urhobo Renaissance Society demands unconditional release of Prof. Ekpekpo, others, arrested by Nigerian Army

By Ovasa Ogaga, The Urhobo Renaissance Society (URS) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Professor Arthur Ekpekpo, a respected academic from Delta State University and the President of the Ewu Community Development Union and others arrested by the Nigerian Army.   The call comes following his arrest by the Nigerian Army on August 18, 2024, in connection with the ongoing Okuama crisis in Delta State.   Recall that Professor Arthur Ekpekpo and some other leaders of Okuama community were declared wanted by the Nigerian Army in the aftermath of the killing of 17 soldiers and complete destruction of Okuama community by rampaging military personnel in a revenge mission.   In a press release signed by URS Secretary, Dr. John Uwa, the organization condemned the Nigerian Army's actions, accusing it of targeting "imaginary enemies" within Urhobo land. According to the statement, Professor Ekpekpo was abducted by military personnel while in Sapele and has since been held without charge, in what URS describes as a violation of his fundamental human rights. This arrest follows earlier tensions when the Nigerian Army declared several elders of the Okuama Community, including Professor Ekpekpo and the Monarch of Ewu Kingdom, wanted during its invasion of the Okuama community. The monarch was reportedly subjected to "inhumane and undignified treatment" by the military but was later released following widespread outcry. Despite these developments, no progress has been made in resolving the underlying crisis that began with the murder of 17 military officers near the Forcados River, an incident for which the Nigerian Army initially claimed to have identified the perpetrators. The statement reads in part: “Not Relenting in its pursuit of its imaginary enemies of the Nigerian Army in Urhobo land, it has to come our notice that on the 18^th August 2024 a team of military officers ambushed and abducted Professor Arthur Ekpekpo, a respected academic of Delta State University and President of Ewu Community Development Union.   “You would recall that Professor Ekpekpo was one of the elders of the Okuama Community declared WANTED by the Nigerian Army in the course of its invasion of Ukuama Community in Delta State along with the revered Monarch of Ewu Community. The later was subjected to the most inhuman and indignity ever accorded a Traditional Ruler in Nigeria until the clarion call of all led to his eventual release by the Nigerian Army. The Nigerian Army having wreaked havoc in the total destruction of Okuama Community later admitted that it has identified the perpetrators of the dastardly killing of 17 Military Officers in the Forcardos River, near Okuama. The Military Panel set up by the Army to provide details of its finding has gone into oblivion and no Report has been presented to the Nigerian Public on the issue."   URS highlighted that several legal actions have been initiated by the Okuama community to address the destruction of their homes and the displacement of its people, who are currently residing in an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Ewu. Among the suits filed are:   FHC/WR/CS/37/2024: Citizens Rights of Nigeria v The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & others FHC/WR/CS/41/2024: Victor Akemor & others v The Nigerian Army & others FHC/WR/CS/42/2024: Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo & others v The Federal Government of Nigeria & others Despite these lawsuits, the Nigerian Army has yet to respond, and the affected community remains displaced. Furthermore, the military has not released the findings of its investigation into the murder of the 17 soldiers, which has left many questions unanswered.   The Urhobo Renaissance Society expressed outrage over the continued detention of Professor Ekpekpo, labeling him a "soft target" for the military, especially given the Army’s failure to apprehend militants linked to the Forcados River killings. URS cited reports that the military had identified a militant named Amagbein from Bayelsa State in connection with the murders, yet no further action has been taken to bring him to justice.   “The Nigerian Army is yet to respond to the allegations and claims in these suits. Meanwhile, the People of Okuama Community have been consigned to a Displaced Peoples Camp at Ewu where they live on the charity of well-meaning members of the public. The Federal Government is yet to roll out any plan for the re-development of Okuama Community.   “The Urhobo Renaissance Society, therefore writes to express its deep concern and displeasure over the brazen and unlawful desecration of the traditional and intellectual spaces in the Okuama community. First, with the arrest, detention and subsequent release of His Royal Majesty, the King of Ewu Kingdom; and now, the arrest and detention of Professor Arthur Ekpekpo, a respected academic of Delta State University, by military/security personnel on 18^th August 2024 at Sapele, Delta State; after being declared wanted over the Okuama affair. He is now kept incommunicado without being brought bfore a court of appropriate jurisdiction. This is a further violation of Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo's fundamental human rights.   “As a responsible organization, the URS has repeatedly called for a thorough investigation into the gruesome murder of the 17 military officers at the Forcados River, near Okuama, by persons or interest already identified  by the Nigerian Army. The perpetrators must be brought to justice. We were pleased when it was reported that the military was on the trail of a certain Amagbein from Igbomotoru, Bayelsa State, in connection with the killing of the gallant officers. Until this day, nothing has been said about that trail. To that extent, we find it disturbing that the military which is unable to track down and prosecute a confirmed militant, has gone for a soft target—a respected Professor of Delta State University, simply because he is an illustrious son and President of the Okuama community. The Okuama people are scattered with some in the IDP camp, still recovering from the unjust destruction of their community by the military."   In their statement, URS made four key demands:  

1. The immediate and unconditional release of Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo or that he be charged to court.
2. That the Report of the Military Investigation Panel on the Okuama incident be released.
3. That the Government ensure that those responsible are held accountable,
4. That the Re-development of Okuama Community be set in motion and its people returned to their ancestral lands

  While URS emphasized its commitment to remaining a responsible and law-abiding organization, it urged the federal government to respect the Constitution and act decisively to resolve the Okuama crisis.   The Urhobo Renaissance Society also reiterating its deep concern over the military’s ongoing operations in Urhobo land, warning that the continuous targeting of community leaders would only further inflame tensions in the region.