The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has called for a thorough investigation into the deaths of two prominent leaders from the Okuama community, Pa James Oghoroko and Dennis Okugbaye, who tragically passed away while in military custody. Oghoroko, the President-General of the Okuama community, and 81-year-old Okugbaye, the community’s treasurer, reportedly died six days apart after being detained by the Nigerian Army.
The two men, along with four others—Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mrs. Mabel Owhemu, and Mr. Dennis Malaka—were arrested during a military operation between August 18 and 20, 2024.
The operation followed the tragic deaths of 17 soldiers on March 14, 2024, who were killed during a peace mission aimed at resolving a long-standing dispute between the Okuama and the neighbouring Okoloba community.
The deaths of Oghoroko and Okugbaye while in military custody have raised serious concerns, prompting calls for accountability and transparency. The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, addressed the matter during a briefing at the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee’s end-of-year session.
He confirmed that the Chief of Defence Staff had ordered the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and provide a detailed report by Monday.
Gusau remarked, “Regarding the allegations of deaths in detention, headlines have suggested that individuals detained in connection with the Okuama incident have died. The CDS has immediately directed an investigation to be conducted by the 6 Division. We expect the findings shortly, and for now, these remain allegations.”
He further emphasised the military’s commitment to uncovering the truth, stating, “We are committed to uncovering the truth, and by tomorrow, we will have more details.”
As the investigation unfolds, the families and the Okuama community await clarity on the circumstances surrounding the deaths of their leaders.
