N’Delta group seeks release of Okuama indigenes

A Niger Delta sociopolitical group, the Urhobo Renaissance Society, has called on the Nigerian military to effect “the immediate and unconditional release” of some leaders of the Okuama community in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The indigenes were arrested by the army on the heels of the crisis in the community.

The arrest followed the invasion of the community by the army after 17 military personnel were killed during a peace mission to the Okuama and Okoloba communities on March 14, 2024.

The detained indigenes were arrested by the Nigerian Army on August 18, 2024, in connection with the crisis in the town.

Prof Ekpekpo and some other leaders were earlier declared wanted by the Nigerian Army in the aftermath of the killing of the 17 soldiers.

Speaking in a statement on Sunday, the group demanded the release of “Prof Arthur Ekpekpo, a respected academic from Delta State University and President of the Ewu Community Development Union and others arrested by the Nigerian Army.”

The call was contained in a press release signed by URS Secretary, Dr John Uwa, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri, on Sunday.

The URS, in its statement, condemned the actions of the army in arresting and incarcerating the Okuama leaders, accusing the military of “targeting imaginary enemies within Urhobo land.”

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