Displaced indigenes of Okuama community, currently taking refuge at the Ewu-Okuama IDP Camp in Ewu-Urhobo, have appealed to the state and federal governments to intervene in securing the unconditional release of their leaders who were recently arrested by the Nigerian Army and Department of State Services (DSS).
The community members expressed their trauma following the arrest, stating that they would not return to their ancestral homes until their leaders are released.
It was earlier reported that six Okuama community leaders—Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Denis Okugbaye, Mrs. Rita Akata, Pa. Anthony Ahwemuria, Mr. James Oghoroko, and Mr. Denis Malaka, a tenant of Oghoroko—were arrested under unclear circumstances.
Speaking to newsmen at the IDP camp in Ughelli South Local Government Area, the women leader of Okuama community, Mrs. Josephine Oghenehwosa, shared her distress: “Since the news of our leaders' arrest, life has been unbearable for us. We are afraid to return to Okuama. Some of us are even on hunger strike because these leaders were the ones working with the government to restore peace and rebuild our destroyed community. Now, we don’t know their whereabouts as no security agency has officially claimed responsibility for their arrest."
Mrs. Oghenehwosa insisted that the arrested leaders were innocent and unrelated to the tragic incident of March 14, 2024, when 17 soldiers were killed near the community. "Our leaders welcomed visitors warmly, as the Urhobo people are known for their hospitality. We never expected this unjust arrest," she added.
The community leader further lamented the uncertainty surrounding the whereabouts of their detained leaders, stressing that the lack of communication from security agencies has fueled their fears of returning home.
“We thought by now we would have returned to our homes, but the actions of the security agents have shattered those hopes,” she said.
Family members of the arrested leaders, including those of Hon. Belvis Adogbo, revealed that Hon. Adogbo had a pre-existing health condition and had scheduled a medical appointment on the day he was arrested. They expressed concern that keeping individuals with health issues away from their doctors and families without justification was inhumane.
“We appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and ensure our leaders are either released or formally charged in court,” pleaded Mr. Charles Adogbo, a relative of Hon. Adogbo.
Commenting on the arrests, Mr. Abraham Ogbodo, Chairman of the Ewu-Okuama Management Committee, acknowledged the tragic event involving the deaths of 17 military personnel but emphasized the importance of due process.
“The Nigerian government has the responsibility to investigate and apprehend those responsible for such crimes, but this must be done within the boundaries of the law. Innocent people should not be made to suffer in the pursuit of justice,” Ogbodo stated.
He added, "Once arrests are made, they should follow the legal system—present the evidence in court, and let the judiciary decide. Detaining people without court orders or clarity on their whereabouts is unacceptable."
The residents of Okuama, now displaced, are left in limbo, uncertain about when they will return to their homes or when their leaders will be released.
