Tragedy has struck again in Okuama community, Delta State, as 81-year-old Dennis Okugbaye, the community’s treasurer, has reportedly died in military detention. This devastating news comes barely a week after the death of Pa James Oghoroko, the community’s President General, who also died in military custody.
According to SaharaReporters, Pastor Akpos Okugbaye confirmed his father’s demise, stating that he passed away on Tuesday. The news has sent shockwaves through the community, exacerbating the already severe tension.
Okugbaye was arrested on August 18 and 20, 2024, alongside other community leaders, including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mrs. Mabel Owhemu, and Mr. Dennis Malaka. Despite their detention, none of them have been tried or charged.
The Okugbaye family had sent over N401,000 for his medical treatment on Monday and Tuesday, but their efforts were in vain. A military medical report dated December 6, 2024, recommended Okugbaye’s release due to his deteriorating health and age, but the authorities refused to comply.
The community has been protesting the deaths and demanding justice. On Sunday, hundreds of residents staged a peaceful protest, giving the Nigerian government and military authorities a seven-day ultimatum to release the detained community leaders and the body of the late Pa Oghoroko.
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