The small but resilient Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State is gripped by grief and outrage after the alleged torture and death of their President-General, Pa James Oghoroko, in Nigerian military custody.
On Sunday, women and youths of the community poured into the streets in a peaceful yet impassioned protest, demanding answers and action.
The death of Pa Oghoroko, combined with the continued detention of five other community leaders, has sparked calls for accountability from the Nigerian government and military.
The crisis began in August when Pa Oghoroko and six others, including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo and Chief Belvis Adogbo, were arrested by the military under undisclosed circumstances.
Despite pleas from the community, they remained in military custody without formal charges or access to legal representation.
Now, the death of Pa Oghoroko has escalated the community’s frustration and fear.
Elder Ohwotake Otiero, a key voice among the protesters, criticized the military’s actions as lawless. “Our President-General is dead because of torture.
If they had evidence of wrongdoing, why wasn’t he charged in court? We demand the immediate release of his body and the others still held.
If they fail to comply within seven days, we will resort to self-help,” he warned.
The protesters have made it clear that they are prepared to take drastic measures if their demands are ignored.
Among their proposed actions is a blockade of the River Niger, a critical economic artery in the region.
Hon. Jacob Akemor, another community leader, lamented the military’s approach. “The army is not above the law.
Arbitrary detentions and torture have no place in a democratic society. Pa Oghoroko’s death is a tragedy, and we will not rest until justice is served,” he said.
Women leaders, like Maria Adams, expressed their anguish at losing a leader they described as peaceful and community-oriented.
“What crime did he commit to deserve this? We are Nigerians too, but this government treats us like we don’t belong. Our patience has run out. The President must act now,” she said.
The community’s demands are straightforward: release the detained leaders, return Pa Oghoroko’s body for proper burial, and bring the military officers responsible for his death to justice.
Legal experts and human rights organizations have begun to weigh in, describing the military’s actions as a violation of constitutional rights.
As the seven-day ultimatum looms, Okuama’s plight reflects broader issues of governance, human rights abuses, and community marginalization in Nigeria.
The nation watches closely, waiting to see if justice will prevail or if this will be another case of unresolved injustice.