The Nigerian Army has invaded Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of six individuals. The military operation, which has caused widespread fear among residents, began with a series of arrests that started on Sunday.
Eyewitnesses informed Ejes Gist News that heavily armed soldiers stormed the community, creating an atmosphere of fear and panic.
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The operation commenced with the arrest of Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, the wanted President General of Ewu Kingdom, who was picked up by men in military uniforms at an undisclosed location in Sapele.
Following Ekpekpo’s arrest, the military used him on Monday morning to locate and apprehend Dennis Okubaye, the Secretary of Okuama community in Ughelli. Simultaneously, soldiers laid siege to Iwhrenene Community with five Toyota Hilux vehicles and arrested Chief Belvis Adogbo, a political leader in Okuama, at his residence around 7:00 AM.
The military operatives, acting in a commando style, further arrested James Oghoroko, the President General of Okuama community, at his residence on Ogilo Street in Oteri, Ughelli. The arrested individuals, totaling four, are reportedly being detained at a military facility in Agbarha-Otor community, Ughelli North Area.
The operation continued on Tuesday morning, when operatives stormed the Otu-Jeremi area of Ughelli South and arrested Pa Anthony Awhemuria, an elder from Okuama. Awhemuria was then used to track and arrest Mrs. Rita Akata, the wife of David Akata, Vice President General of Okuama. The men who claimed to be police officers from Benin carried out the arrest.
Sources suggest that the arrests may be linked to a March incident in which 17 military personnel were killed near Okuama community. The situation has escalated tensions within Okuama, with many residents fleeing to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Ewu and other locations for safety.
A source within Okuama stated that the situation has thrown the community into confusion, particularly among the youth, as the arrests disrupt ongoing efforts to rebuild the community. The Delta State Government and Urhobo Traditional Rulers had been working towards resettling the displaced people, but the recent arrests have jeopardized these efforts.
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A security official in Ughelli, speaking anonymously, indicated that the military offensive would likely continue in the Bomadi, Ughelli, and Ughelli South Council areas as per orders received.
This military action comes months after the March 2024 incident, when soldiers razed Okuama community in a reprisal attack following the murder of 17 military personnel by unknown gunmen. The attack left the community in ruins, with all buildings, including hospitals and schools, destroyed.
Following the incident, Ewu Traditional Ruler HRM Clement Ikolo surrendered to police in Asaba, was detained in Abuja for several weeks, and later released. The military occupation of Okuama ended, allowing residents to start rebuilding their lives. However, the recent arrests have now cast a shadow over the peace process.
As of the time of this report, no official statement has been released regarding the reasons behind the arrests of the community leaders.
