Residents of Okuama community in Delta State are in mourning following the death of another prominent leader, Pa Dennis Okugbaye, while in Nigerian Army detention.
Pa Okugbaye, the 81-year-old treasurer of Okuama community, reportedly passed away on Tuesday, sparking outrage and deepening tensions in the already distraught region.
The tragic news was confirmed by his son, Pastor Akpos Okugbaye, who expressed shock and grief over his father’s untimely demise.
This marks the second death of a community leader in less than a week.
Just days earlier, Okuama’s President-General, Pa James Oghoroko, also died in military custody.
Both men, along with four other community leaders, were detained by the Nigerian Army in August 2024.
The arrests followed allegations of unrest in the Okuama community, but no formal charges or trials were conducted.
Despite repeated pleas for their release, the detained leaders were held under harsh conditions, reportedly without access to adequate medical care.
A military medical report dated December 6, 2024, revealed that Pa Okugbaye had been recommended for release due to his deteriorating health and advanced age.
The report stated that his condition required urgent medical attention outside detention facilities.
However, military authorities ignored the recommendation, leading to his death just days later.
Pastor Akpos disclosed that the family had spent over ₦401,000 between Monday and Tuesday in a desperate attempt to cover medical costs for his father.
He lamented the military’s refusal to act swiftly despite visible signs of declining health.
The death of Pa Okugbaye has intensified protests in the Okuama community.
On Sunday, hundreds of residents, including women and youths, staged a peaceful demonstration demanding justice for the death of Pa Oghoroko.
They called for the immediate release of the remaining detained leaders and the body of the late President-General.
The protesters issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Nigerian government and the Army to comply with their demands.
“If they fail to release our leaders and the body of Pa Oghoroko, we will resort to self-help,” warned one of the protest leaders.
Community members accuse the military of torturing Pa Oghoroko to death, claiming he endured inhumane treatment during detention.
The detentions of the Okuama leaders, including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mrs. Mabel Owhemu, and Mr. Dennis Malaka, have sparked widespread condemnation.
Rights groups and local activists have criticized the Nigerian Army for detaining civilians without trial, labeling the act as a gross violation of human rights.
Residents of Okuama describe the deaths of Pa Oghoroko and Pa Okugbaye as preventable tragedies.
“These were elderly men who posed no threat. Detaining them without trial and denying them proper care is an affront to justice,” said a community elder.
The situation has created a climate of fear and uncertainty in Okuama, with families of the remaining detained leaders growing increasingly anxious.
Observers fear that the Nigerian government’s failure to address the grievances of the Okuama community may lead to further unrest.
The deaths of Pa Oghoroko and Pa Okugbaye are seen as emblematic of larger systemic issues within Nigeria’s military justice system.
Human rights organizations have called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
They are demanding accountability from the Nigerian Army and justice for the families of the deceased.
For now, the Okuama community remains gripped by grief and anger.
With the ultimatum ticking down, the eyes of the nation are on the government to see how it responds to the community’s demands.
Many fear that further inaction could escalate tensions in the already volatile region.
The story of Okuama serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights in Nigeria’s governance
