Tragedy strikes Okuama community again as Leader, Pa Okugbaye dies in military custody

Residents of Okuama in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, are in shock and anger following the death of their 81-year-old treasurer, Pa Dennis Okugbaye, while in military detention.

This tragic event occurred just six days after the death of Pa James Oghoroko, the community’s President-General, who also passed away in military custody.

Pastor Akpos Okugbaye, the son of the late treasurer, confirmed his father’s death on Tuesday, sending shockwaves through the already grieving community.

Reports indicate that Okugbaye’s family had sent over ₦401,000 for his medical treatment between Monday and Tuesday, raising concerns about the conditions leading to his death.

The community fears that the deaths of these two prominent leaders may spark further unrest.

Both Okugbaye and Oghoroko, along with other community leaders including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mabel Owhemu, and Dennis Malaka, were arrested between August 18 and 20, 2024. These arrests followed the killing of 17 soldiers during a peace mission to resolve a land dispute between Okuama and the neighbouring Okoloba community.

In response to the soldiers’ deaths, the military launched a violent raid on Okuama, causing widespread destruction and forcing many residents to flee to an internally displaced persons camp in Ewu Kingdom, which was set up by the Delta State government.