Group Condemns Okuama leader’s death, demands probe

The Urhobo Media Practitioners and Advocacy Group has expressed shock and sadness over the death of Pa James Oghoroko, the President-General of Okuama town in Ewu Kingdom, Ughelli South LGA of Delta State.

Pa Oghoroko reportedly died in military detention on Wednesday “following torture and alleged inhumane treatment”.

The sad news his death was revealed by leaders of Okuama at an emergency meeting held on Thursday in the community where it was also revealed that another Okuama leader in the military detention, “Pa Dennis Okugbaye, is presently battling with a life-threatening ailment in the undisclosed military facility”.

In a statement the Urhobo Media Practitioners and Advocacy Group condemned the alleged actions of the Nigerian military.

The statement signed by Okpare Theophilus Onojeghen, Omafume Amurun and Shedrack Onitsha, read in part: “We demand a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Pa Oghoroko’s death and call for those responsible to be held accountable. We also urge the Nigerian government to address the underlying issues that led to the conflict in Okuama Community and work towards finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

“Furthermore, we call on international human rights bodies, including the United Nations, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, to take notice of the human rights abuse in Okuama town in Ewu Kingdom and condemn the actions of the Nigerian military and government.

“We urge these human rights bodies to call on the Nigerian government to respect the human rights of the people of Okuama Community and to ensure that those responsible for Pa Oghoroko’s death are held accountable.

“We also demand for the immediate release of other Okuama leaders, including Professor Arthur Ekpekpor, who are being held in various military detention without investigation and trial. This is arbitrary use of powers, which in any case, runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian constitution.

“We further demand that if there is an allegation against the detained Okuama leaders, they should be charged to a court of competent jurisdiction in line with the constitution of Nigeria.

“As a body of media practitioners, we’ll continue to condemn the gruesome and unjustified killing of the 17 military personnel. While we console the grieving families, we demand for an unbiased and holistic probe into the tragic incident.

“We extend our condolences to the family of Pa Oghoroko, the people of Okuama Community, and the entire Ewu Kingdom. May Pa Oghoroko’s death not be in vain, and may it serve as a catalyst for change and justice in Nigeria.”