By Mariam Sanni
Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa has ordered a thorough investigation into the death of two Okuama community leaders, Pa James Oghoroko and Denis Okugbaye, while in army custody.
This was made known by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, at the end-of-year briefing by the Strategic Communications Interagency Committee, SCIPC, Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, in Abuja.
Oghoroko was the President-General of Okuama community, while 81-year-old Okugbaye was the community’s treasurer.
It was reported that the duo reportedly died six days apart while being detained by the military.
The community leaders, alongside four others — Professor Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mrs Mabel Owhemu, and Mr Dennis Malaka – were arrested in August, in connection with the killing of 17 military personnel in the community on March 14, during a peace mission aimed at resolving a dispute between Okuama and Okoloba communities.
Responding to questions, Gusau said the CDS had directed 6 Division, Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations and submit its report.
“Regarding allegations of deaths in detention over the weekend, headlines surfaced suggesting that individuals detained in connection with the Okuama incident had died.
“Immediately, the CDS directed an investigation to be conducted by 6 Division. We expect the findings on whether the claims are true or not. For now they remain allegations.
“We are committed to uncovering the truth, and by tomorrow, we will have more details,” he said.
