The Okuama Tragedy: A Year of Displacement, Detention, and Demand for Justice
A year has passed since the devastating military onslaught on Okuama, a town nestled within the Ughelli South Local Government Area. The incident, sparked by the tragic killing of 17 army personnel on a peace mission, left the community in ruins and its people scattered. While the initial attack brought unimaginable hardship, the subsequent actions of the military have further compounded the suffering of the Okuama people, raising serious concerns about human rights violations and the denial of due process. Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, has become a vocal advocate for the community, demanding justice, accountability, and urgent intervention to alleviate the ongoing plight of his constituents.
The military’s response to the killing of its personnel was swift and severe. Okuama was subjected to a forceful operation that left homes destroyed and families displaced. In the immediate aftermath, the Delta State government intervened, relocating some residents to an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Ewu Kingdom. While this provided temporary shelter, the conditions at the camp proved unsatisfactory for some, prompting them to return to their ravaged ancestral home, despite the lingering risks and challenges. This underscores the desperate desire of the Okuama people to reclaim their lives and rebuild their community, even in the face of adversity.
However, the return to Okuama did not mark the end of the community’s ordeal. The military’s actions continued to cast a long shadow over the town. The arrest and three-week detention of King Clement Ikolo of Ewu Kingdom, without any charges, raised alarm bells about the arbitrary nature of the military’s approach. This was followed by the even more disturbing arrests of several community elders, including Pa James Oghoroko, the President-General of Okuama, who tragically died in military custody. The detention and subsequent release on bail of 81-year-old Dennis Okugbaye, the community treasurer, due to severe illness further highlighted the precarious situation faced by those held by the military.
The ongoing detention of other community leaders, including Prof Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mrs Mabel Owhemu, and Mr Dennis Malaka, without formal charges, represents a grave violation of their fundamental rights. Senator Dafinone has vehemently condemned these detentions, emphasizing the principle of presumption of innocence until proven guilty. He has called on the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army to either release these detainees unconditionally or afford them a fair trial in an open court. The prolonged detention without trial raises serious questions about the rule of law and access to justice in Nigeria.
The one-year anniversary of the Okuama tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the community’s ongoing struggle. Senator Dafinone has reiterated his commitment to championing their cause, calling for justice, rehabilitation, and the protection of their fundamental rights. He has urged both the federal and state governments, along with humanitarian organizations, to prioritize the rebuilding of Okuama, emphasizing the need to restore essential infrastructure, including housing, schools, healthcare facilities, and roads. This comprehensive approach to rehabilitation is crucial for enabling the community to reclaim its dignity and rebuild its shattered lives.
The Okuama people have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Their gathering for an interdenominational prayer session on the anniversary of the attack signifies their unity and determination to overcome this tragedy. Senator Dafinone’s unwavering advocacy, coupled with the community’s enduring spirit, offers hope that justice will prevail and that Okuama will eventually rise from the ashes. However, the continued detention of community leaders and the slow pace of rehabilitation efforts underscore the urgent need for concrete action from the government. The international community and civil society organizations also have a role to play in supporting the Okuama people and holding the Nigerian government accountable for ensuring justice and upholding human rights.
