WARRI: The Urhobo Renaissance Society (URS), a prominent Niger Delta sociopolitical group, has issued a strong call for the immediate and unconditional release of several leaders from the Okuama community, including Professor Arthur Ekpekpo, a distinguished academic from Delta State University and President of the Ewu Community Development Union. The group is demanding that the Nigerian military free these individuals, who have been detained since their arrest on August 18, 2024, following the Okuama crisis in Delta State.
In a statement released on Sunday and signed by the URS Secretary, Dr. John Uwa, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri, the group expressed deep concern over the arrests and condemned the Nigerian Army actions. The group argues that the arrests of Professor Ekpekpo and other community leaders are unjustified and should be reversed immediately.
The controversy surrounding the arrests began after 17 soldiers, reportedly on a peacekeeping mission, were killed during an operation in the Okuama community. In response to the incident, the military launched a retaliatory operation, which led to the destruction of parts of the Okuama community.
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The Army also issued a wanted list for Professor Ekpekpo and other community leaders, accusing them of involvement in the violence. The URS, however, believes that these leaders are being unfairly targeted as scapegoats.
The group has expressed concerns that the military’s actions are not only unjust but may also be part of a larger pattern of targeting perceived “enemies” within Urhobo land. According to the URS, this is a dangerous escalation of tensions and could further destabilize the region, especially given the deep-rooted issues of military presence and intervention in the Niger Delta.
In its statement, the URS reiterated its position that the Nigerian military must respect the rights of civilians and engage in dialogue rather than resorting to punitive actions that harm innocent communities. The group called on the Nigerian government to intervene and ensure that those detained, including Professor Ekpekpo, are released without further delay.
