The death of Pa James Achovwuko Oghoroko, the President-General of Okuama Community in Delta State, has sparked outrage and mourning across the region.
He died in Nigerian military detention on Wednesday.
The tragic news was disclosed during an emergency meeting held by Okuama community leaders on Thursday.
Pa Oghoroko, detained alongside five other Okuama leaders since August.
Another detained leader, Pa Dennis Okugbaye, is said to be critically ill in an undisclosed military facility.
The Okuama community has been thrown into mourning, with residents expressing grief and anger over the incident.
The arrests of Pa Oghoroko and others occurred between August 18 and 20, 2024, following the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama.
The military responded with force, reportedly demolishing parts of the community and detaining its leaders.
In reaction, Okuama leaders filed multiple lawsuits against the Nigerian Army.
One of these, Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/84/2024, demanded ₦100 million in damages for the alleged illegal detention of the community leaders.
Despite these legal efforts, the Federal High Court in Warri adjourned their bail application to December 9, 2024.
Tragically, Pa Oghoroko’s death occurred just days before the scheduled hearing.
Chief Albert Akpomudje, SAN, who leads the community’s legal team, described the development as “deeply disturbing.”
“This is shocking and unacceptable,” Akpomudje said. “I will meet with the family and our team to decide on the next course of action.”
He emphasised the urgent need for accountability in the detention and treatment of the remaining leaders.
Okuama community leaders are demanding an independent investigation into Pa Oghoroko’s death.
They have also called on human rights organisations and the international community to intervene.
The military’s actions in Okuama have drawn criticism from various quarters, including civil society groups and local politicians.
Many see the incident as part of a broader pattern of heavy-handed military responses to community unrest in Nigeria.
Human rights advocates argue that the prolonged detention of community leaders without trial violates their constitutional rights.
The Nigerian Army has yet to release a statement addressing the allegations.
