Still reeling from the death of its President General, Pa James Oghoroko in military detention, the Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, has suffered yet another loss as 81-year-old Pa Dennis Okugbaye, the community’s Treasurer, also died in military detention yesterday.
The sad news of Pa Okugbaye’s death, the second person of the six arrested Okuama leaders, has led to tension in Okuama Community.
The Okuama leaders were arrested in August 2024 and have been kept in military detention without trial.
The late Okugbaye was arrested alongside late Oghoroko, Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mrs. Mabel Owhemu and Mr. Dennis Malaka between August 18 and 20, 2024 and has remained in military detention since.
Pastor Akpos Okugbaye broke the news of his father’s death to newsmen, yesterday, in tears.
Okuama Community, after the death of 72-year-old Oghoroko, had raised the alarm over the failing health of Pa Okugbaye, and demanded his immediate release.
According to Vanguard, the Okugbaye family has sent about N401,000 between Monday and Tuesday for Okugbaye’s health care through a source, who revealed his worrying status at the Nigerian Army headquarters, 6 Division, Bori Camp, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The source, who showed electronic transfer receipts of the money sent, added that late Oghoroko also died in the same facility in Rivers State.
However, a military medical report of the late Okugbaye dated December 6, 2024, had recommended his immediate release from custody owing to health issues and old age.
The medical report reference NAMC/GI/300/25 captioned ‘Medical Report of Mr. Denis Akporeyerebor Due To Medical Report. From Medical Centre Indicate that Mr. Denis Akporeyerebor Should Be Released From Detention on Health Issues.’ Reference: A. HQ NAMC/GI/300/32 dated 06 Dec, 24. B. AHQ Dpn/G3/300/25 dated 09 Dec 24, read, In compliance with the provision for Reference.
”The 6 Division Nigerian Army Commander vide Reference approved the release from detention of Mr. Denis Akporeyerebor.
”The medical report show that Mr. Denis Akporeyerebor is above 80 years of age. 3, For your urgent attention and action.”
The report was dated December 6, 2024.
Unfortunately, he was not released from detention while he died yesterday and he became the second Okuama person to die in military detention within one week.
Angry Okuama community people had on Sunday given the Nigerian Government and Nigerian Army, a seven-day ultimatum to release the detainees or they would block the River Niger to access.
The situation in the community is very tense, particularly at the community front with angry youths threatening immediate action.
