The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of Nigeria, Gen. Christopher Musa, has directed an immediate investigation into the tragic deaths of two prominent leaders from the Okuama community, Pa James Oghoroko and Dennis Okugbaye, who died while in military detention. Their deaths have sparked serious concerns and accusations regarding the circumstances of their detention.
According to sources within the Okuama community, Mr. Oghoroko, who served as the President-General of the community, and Mr. Okugbaye, an 81-year-old and the community’s treasurer, passed away under suspicious circumstances within six days of each other after being detained by the Nigerian military. The two leaders, along with four other individuals Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mrs. Mabel Owhemu, and Mr. Dennis Malaka were arrested during a military operation that took place between August 18 and 20, 2024.
This operation was triggered by a deadly attack on 17 Nigerian soldiers on March 14, 2024, during a peace mission intended to resolve a longstanding dispute between the Okuama and neighboring Okoloba communities.
The deaths of Mr. Oghoroko and Mr. Okugbaye have raised serious questions about the conditions and treatment of detainees during military operations. Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, confirmed that the CDS had ordered a thorough investigation into the allegations. He assured the public that the Nigerian Army’s 6th Division had been tasked with conducting the probe, and a full report on the findings is expected by Monday.
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There have been allegations over the weekend regarding the deaths of individuals who were detained in connection with the Okuama incident, Brig. Gen. Gusau stated during a briefing at the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee end-of-year meeting.
The Chief of Defence Staff has immediately ordered an investigation by the 6th Division, and we are expecting the findings shortly. At this point, these remain as allegations, he added.
While the military has yet to confirm the details surrounding the deaths, Gusau emphasized that once the investigation is concluded, the findings would be made public. This case has drawn widespread attention, and Nigerians are eagerly awaiting the results of the inquiry to determine the truth behind the deaths of the Okuama leaders and whether any wrongdoing occurred during their detention.
