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Tag: Okuama

  • JUST IN: Women protest alleged return of armed Okuama youths

    JUST IN: Women protest alleged return of armed Okuama youths

    Women of Okoloba community in Bomadi local government area have protested what they called the return of armed youths of Okuama in Ughelli South local government area, threatening the peace of the riverine area in Delta States.

    The placard-carrying women, led by the chairlady of Okoloba community, Mrs Timipakebi Goodwin and secretary, Mrs Mary Koibi, staged a peace protest along the coastal fringe of koloba community, chanting against violence and bloodbath. 

    Goodwin told newsmen in an address made available to security apparatuses, including the police, DSS, NSCDC, JTF as well as the acting chairman of Bomadi local government council, that the latest killing by the youths of Okuama showed that they could kill human beings at the slightest provocation.

    She said: “First, we the women of Okoloba community sympathize with the killing of 17 soldiers and officers of the Nigerian army on peace and rescue mission to Okuama, following the kidnap of our son. We sincerely mourn their untimely death and pray for the repose of their souls. We also pray for their families.

    “However, less than 24 hours after the exit of the troops from Okuama, fresh crisis erupted with another neighbouring community, culminating in the killing of one person while three other persons were seriously injured. The person who was killed and those sustaining machete wounds were alleged to have gone there to loot.

    “The latest killing showed that the people of Okuama can kill a human at the slightest provocation; the sanctity of human life means nothing to them. It also shows that neighbouring Ijaw communities like Okoloba are not safe. 

    “So, resetting the people of Okuama in their present location, which is in-between communities in Bomadi local government area, is an attempt to encourage further communal clashes and bloodbath.

    “Just last week, youths of Okuama community came out of the Mein-toruabubor creek, which leads to Ewu, on three speedboats and all of them on camouflage. They shot sporadically in the air before proceeding to OKuama. They moved to and fro the creek three times, and at every time they shot their guns in the air at the entrance of the creek.

    Read Also: BREAKING: One dead, three wounded as Army pulls out of embattled Okuama

    “We are calling on the federal government to come to our aid, and the panacea to these incessant clashes and killings is for the government to relocate Okuama to Ewu clan in Ughelli South Local Government Area, where they truly and rightly belong.

    “Resettling them among their own people in Ewu clan of Urhobo land will foster mutual trust among themselves as they are of the same ancestry and speak the same dialect”.

    Details Shortly…

  • BREAKING: One dead, three wounded as Army pulls out of embattled Okuama

    BREAKING: One dead, three wounded as Army pulls out of embattled Okuama

    One person has been reportedly dead with three others sustaining various degrees of machete wounds when the military, pulled out of the embattled Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State amidst chaos.

    The Nation reported the killing of soldiers on peace and rescue operations at Okuama on March 14, 2024, prompting the military to burn down the community in retaliation.

    According to sources in neighbouring Akugbene and Okoloba communities in Bomadi local government area, the soldiers pulled out of the embattled community on Tuesday suddenly without any prior information.

    A former chairman of Akugbene, who pleaded anonymity, said: “We were surprised to see the soldiers pulled out yesterday (Tuesday) and some indigenes of Okuama immediately went back to the community.

    “We believed some soldiers who are of Urhobo decent at Okuama must have passed prior information to them of their planned pull out. We have some respite now as we were like in a cage, not moving out to neighbouring communities at the Okuama direction where we go and buy most of our food stuff and household materials, particularly at the Okuagbe market.

    “But, as I’m talking to you, there is a problem; three indigenes of our community have already been ambushed and attacked with machetes by Okuama returnees. They were on their way to Ezebiri community along the footpath linking various communities on hearing that the road is free.

    “One of them who escaped back to our community with machete cuts narrated that they were attacked by the Okuama returnees while on their way to Ezebiri, who pointed guns at them. They attacked them with machetes when he managed to escape, while others were led towards the jetty at the community waterfront.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Army withdraws soldiers from Okuama

    “The victim is in a critical condition with us right here at the primary healthcare centre”.

    Confirming the news, an indigene of other neighbouring community, said: “Yes, they pulled out of Okuama yesterday (Tuesday) around 5 to 6 pm. A soldier said that they received a signal from above to leave the community immediately.

    “On the Akugbene and Okuama returnees news, those youths went to Okuama to loot upon hearing that soldiers have left the community. Armed youths of Okuama accosted and shot at them and some are said to have been cut with machetes. Two of those Akugbene youths escaped to our community unhurt and we’ve already sent them back to their community”.

    Another Akugbene source, who spoke to our reporter amidst the rumoured chaos in the creek, disclosed that one of the two victims who escaped back to the community is dead.

    “As I’m talking to you, one of the two persons escaped back from the Okuama assault is already dead”, he said.

    However, the chairman of Okoloba community, Mr Clement Koki, in his reaction said that his community would continue to maintain the peace and pray to God for protection.

    “It is true that the soldiers have left Okuama. On our part as a community, we will continue to maintain the peace and pray to God Almighty for His protection and support,” he said.

  • UPDATED: Army withdraws soldiers from Okuama

    UPDATED: Army withdraws soldiers from Okuama

    The Army has withdrawn its troops from Okuama community in Delta State, nearly three months after the killing of 17 soldiers, Delta Gov Sheriff Oborevwori has said.

    Oborevwori expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Military High Command for the withdrawal of troops from the troubled Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area.

    Oborevwori said: “My Dear Good People of Delta State, I have the pleasure to announce to you that, upon many deliberations and collaborations between the State Government and the Military Leadership, the Nigerian Army has agreed to withdraw its officers and men from Okuama.

    “I spoke with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja on Monday, 6th of May and as at today, 8th of May, 2024, the Military has withdrawn from Okuama.

    “With this development, the people of Okuama can now safely return to their homes and begin the process of reintegration and rebuilding their homes.

    Read Also: Banditry, kidnapping responsible for declining school enrollment in Kaduna – Gov Uba Sani

    “I want to express my deep and profound gratitude to Mr. President, the Chief of Army Staff, and the hierarchy of the Nigerian Army for their understanding and cooperation.

    “In my engagements with them, they demonstrated the highest level of concern and care for the plight of the displaced persons. To God be the glory that we have achieved an amicable resolution.

    “Let me assure all Deltans and residents in the state that this administration is irrevocably committed to enhanced peace and security in the state as contained in our MORE agenda.

    “It is also pertinent to point out that matters of security are better handled with tact, wisdom and patience; it is not meant to be a subject of daily media discourse as some would have wanted.

    “As the people of Okuama start the process of returning to their homes, I pledge the commitment of the Delta State Government to make that process smooth and seamless.

    “After a personal assessment of the community on 20th of April, 2024”, we have since commenced setting up an Internally Displaced Persons camp at Ewu to serve as transition to aid their rehabilitation. We shall render all the necessary assistance they need to enable them settle down quickly and joyfully in Okuama.

    “It is my prayer and belief that NEVER AGAIN would Delta experience the kind of tragedy that happened in Okuama. Security, as we all know, is a shared responsibility. So, we will continue to count on the support and cooperation of every citizen to ensure that our state remains safe and peaceful.

    “Once again, I commiserate with the families of victims of the Okuama incident”.

  • For Okuama to return

    For Okuama to return

    The story of the poor and vanishing Okuama people will not leave our radar. It is because we are dealing with two sets of injustices. One is against the 17 soldiers who died, whatever their infractions in the local politics. The president and commander in chief has immortalized them with national honours and their families secured guarantees of federal government care, scholarships and provision.

    The second are the suffering innocents in Okuama village. We cannot believe that the mothers, old women, and children were part of the conspiracy to kill the soldiers. I therefore align with the Governor when he set up a committee to resettle people in an IDP camp as succour for the innocents. Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sherrif Oborevwori said of the army: “They have been very supportive and they have kept to their promise that innocent people will not be victimised. I want to assure the people of Okuama there is no point running away from your community.” He also said President Bola Tinubu cares for the innocents.

    The matter is a delicate one, especially because we are dealing with a grieving army. The army, though, has to get to the bottom of a fact that troubles me. Who brought down the village? Every building, hut, school, including what looks like a palace in their humble terms, was razed down. That was army revenge? But there is no room for that in a democracy or even civilized community. The army denied this in spite of the videos.

    They have not explained to us who did it and why. Justice never succeeds as revenge. To show that there was method to the rage, why did they leave the only church building unhurt. It was the only innocent in the village. They did not touch the anointed. They were ready to hurt the hapless people, but they did not want the trouble of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). It should concern CAN. But CAN crawls with timid souls. The poor people of Okuama are now left to scramble for their God.

    They have crude oil that eludes them, so they have no silver or gold for CAN. And no cathedral magnificence. Otherwise, CAN would whimper. But their lips are clasped. Whoever razed the village was afraid of the holy of holies. But they wanted the people to belt out psalms and battle demons, like Elijah, in forests of a thousand demons.

    Whoever committed the bonfires did not want to murder the cathedral, apologies to T.S. Eliot. We don’t know if there was a murder in the cathedral. Now who will worship in the church? Stones, clay splinters, remnant smokes? Even the area of dispute is less than a hundred yards.

    Read Also: Urhobo forum to Delta govt, others: establish camps for Okuama IDPs

    There was also the arrest of the King of Ewu Kingdom. If he had a hand in the murders, this essayist is not about to plead for any monarch. But the military did not wrestle with Gumi even though he nestled with militants.

    Good thing that the President intervened on the pleas of the Governor and other concerned persons, according to sources.

    Okuama, according to someone in the region, is smaller than its name. It reminds one of Abraham Lincoln’s comment on sighting Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of the anti-slavery novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, that tore apart American conscience during the Civil War. The 16th president quipped, “Are you the little woman who wrote the book that started this great war?” There is also the proverb about a dog being killed because of its bad name.

    What is important for all the longsuffering villagers is for them to resettle and return to their boring lives. I believe that the committee, headed by Abraham Ogbodo, former editor of The Guardian newspaper and one of the vocal advocates for peace in the village, is the beginning of the way home. Governor Oborevwori’s quiet, mature and methodical approach is a better route to peace and justice, rather than catcalls from some quarters for him to show bad temper. As he said, the area was peaceful until recently.

    “I have come to see how the innocent people of this community can be reintegrated with the cooperation of the military,” said the Governor when he paid a visit.

  • Urhobo forum to Delta govt, others: establish camps for Okuama IDPs

    Urhobo forum to Delta govt, others: establish camps for Okuama IDPs

    Urhobo leaders under the aegis of Urhobo Leadership Forum (ULF), have called on the Delta State Government and other relevant national and state agencies to set up camps for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) of Okuama community.

    Okuama, a community in Ewu-Urhobo kingdom, Ughelli South council area of the state was destroyed in the aftermath of the gruesome killing of 17 Army officers and soldiers on March 14.

    Residents of the communities had sought for shelter in the bushes and nearby communities for fear of being victimized as soldiers embarked on manhunt for killers of their colleagues.

    The forum in a statement by Olorogun (Dr.) Peter Igho, President and Mr. Robert Itawa, General Secretary, Wednesday, condemned the killing of the military men which it described as a “horror of murders,” and consoled the bereaved families.

    Stating that the circumstances surrounding the incident continues to worry every concerned party, particularly the Urhobos, on whose land the incident occurred, the ULF posited that people of Okuama and neighbouring communities are filled with fear as the March 14 incident continues to impact them.

    Noting that the release of the monarch of Ewu kingdom, HRM Clement Ukolo Urhukpe I, after three weeks in military detention, as well as allowing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to visit the troubled community were “steps in the right direction,” the leaders said Okuama residents return to the land should follow immediately.

    “The next urgent step is the return of the citizens to their ancestral land and proper

    rehabilitation of all displaced persons,” part of the statement read.

    Read Also: Okuama: Reps panel promises in-depth probe, justice

    Continuing it said: “We call on the State Government, other relevant national institutions, and well-meaning Nigerians to set up structures/IDP camps for the displaced families especially women and children.

    “The Urhobos are a strong complement of the Nigerian federation and deserve to be

    accorded all the honour they deserve.

    “The Urhobos do not have a strong convention of militancy but they are acute defenders

    and promoters of peace and equity.

    “We ourselves as members of the Urhobo Leadership Forum align with this convention but

    at the same time recommend that the Okuama crisis must be treated diligently.

    “The military must be treated with great respect and must also be encouraged to do the

    same to the civilian population.

    “There are so many stories in the social and mainstream media. It is important that clarity is produced in place of rumors. It is also of tremendous importance that the nation knows

    the truth so that justice and rehabilitation can emerge.

    “This way the perpetrators of the heinous killings will be brought out to face the full wrath of the law, while innocent civilians are saved from further hardship to face up to the future”.

    Meanwhile, help is underway for the community as Governor Oborevwori yesterday set up an IDP management committee to be chaired by Abraham Ogbodo, former Editor of the Guardian newspaper for displaced Okuama residents.

    Also receiving the Ovie of Ewu kingdom and his wife at the Government House, Asaba Wednesday morning, Oborevwori tasked him on uniting his subjects.

  • Okuama: IYC knocks Delta governor for abandoning IDPs

    Okuama: IYC knocks Delta governor for abandoning IDPs

    The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide has derided the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, for abandoning the humanitarian crisis in Okuama, Ughelli, where soldiers were killed by unknown persons.

    A Spokesman of the IYC, Bedford Berefa, in a statement also said the governor of failing to use his position to resolve the crisis in the area until it escalated into a bloodbath.

    Berefa wondered why the governor, who had been denied access to Okuama, had not seen it as his responsibility to set up camps for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of the community.

    He said Oborevwor had refused to press the expected humanitarian button despite reports that the residents of the area were trapped in bushes because of the ongoing military operations in Okuama.

    Berefa said: “Many of the displaced people of Okuama trapped in bushes have been crying out for help. They are languishing in hunger and starvation and enduring inclement weather.

    “We heard of the oldest person of Okuama begging for help but we have not heard of or seen any action initiated by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

    “We are calling on the governor to move immediately and set up an IDP camp either in Ughelli town or Asaba to protect these traumatized citizens until it becomes safe for them to return to their seized ancestral land.

    Read Also: Okuama: Ijaw elders demand apology for military invasion of Clark’s home

    “As IYC we are worried over the non-chalance of the governor and his trivialising of the humanitarian issues resulting from the Okuama killings.
    We believe that the governor has not shown leadership in this regard and we are calling on him to act now”.

    Berefa observed that the humanitarian crisis had spread to neighbouring Ijaw communities following military operations in search of culprits.

    He said: “The incident has spread to ijaw communities where the military launched operations in search of culprits. This has worsened the humanitarian crisis”.

  • Okuama: Ijaw elders demand apology for military invasion of Clark’s home

    Okuama: Ijaw elders demand apology for military invasion of Clark’s home

    Ijaw Elders Forum (IEF), Lagos State chapter, has called on the military authorities to tender an unreserved apology for the invasion of the country home of the foremost Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, declaring the action as unacceptable.

    In a statement signed by the forum’s Chairman, Chief Bukazi Etete and Secretary, Mr. Efiye Bribena, issued in Lagos, yesterday, said: “IEF also observes with great trepidation the invasion of the country home of the respected national leader of the Ijaw nation and the South-South region, Chief EK Clark by the military. We find the invasion of the country home of the 97 years old leader unacceptable and request an explanation or an unreserved apology from the military authorities to the revered leader and to the Ijaw Nation.”

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    While condemning the killing of military personnel in Okuama community, the group described wanton destruction of lives and properties in Delta State and gbomatoru (Bayelsa State) by the military as an act of genocide, insisting that “the military has a constitutional role in protecting citizens and so must respect the rules of engagement when dealing with civilians.”

    “We condemn in very strong terms the killing of military personnel in Okuama community and call on the authorities to leave no stone unturned to investigate and bring the perpetrators of this dastardly act to justice. This should be done with respect to relevant laws, swiftly and equitably.

    “We call on the authorities to adequately compensate all individuals (military and civilians), families and communities who have been impacted by these evil activities of non-state actors and the military,” it stated. 

    The forum further cautioned the warring parties in the communal clash to eschew violence in settling disputes and called on their leaders to explore a peaceful way of resolving any disagreement.

  • Okuama-17 and improbable honours

    Okuama-17 and improbable honours

    In order to honour the 17 officers and men of the Nigerian Army who lost their lives in an ambush at Okuama, Ughelli South local government area of Delta State, on March 14, the federal government announced a string of national awards, house gifts for their families, scholarship for their children, and timely payment of their benefits. The gesture was a profound way of honouring soldiers who pay the ultimate sacrifice. In any military in the world, a soldier giving his life for country is often regarded as the highest form of sacrifice. The federal government was, therefore, right to acknowledge the sacrifice of the 17, and even righter to look for ways of honouring them. If victorious football teams could be honoured with houses, why exclude national heroes who give their lives?

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Military declares eight wanted over Okuama killings

    In principle, honouring the slain men was the right thing to do. The problem, however, is whether those honours were not misplaced. The military and the country honour their heroes in ways not denoted in material terms; the government should have stuck to that style. It opens up a whole gamut of controversy to single out for attention and reward one type of sacrifice over another. Scores of military men lose their lives in other theatres without attracting the kind of attention bestowed upon the Okuama-17. The government should have waited until all controversies surrounding the killings were resolved before proceeding to garland the slain men. There was no need for hurry. More importantly, the government should have stuck to military tradition, even if that tradition had been undermined in the past.

  • FULL LIST: Military declares eight wanted over Okuama killings

    FULL LIST: Military declares eight wanted over Okuama killings

    The Defence Headquarters on Thursday declared eight people wanted over the recent killing of 17 soldiers in Delta State.

    The Military announced this in a statement posted on the X page of the Nigerian army on Thursday, March 28.

    The Nation reported that suspected residents of the Okuama Community on Thursday ambushed and murdered the Commanding Officer of 181 Army Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain and 13 soldiers.

    Read Also: Killing of soldiers in Okuama community

    The troops were ambushed and killed while responding to a distress call arising from a clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities in the South-southern state.

    Here are the names of those declared wanted:

    1. Akevwru Omotegbono (A.K.A Amagbem)

    2. Prof Ekpekpo Arthur

    3. Andaowei Dennis Bakriri

    4. Igoli Ebi

    5. Akata Malawa David

    6. Sinclear Oliki

    7. Clement Ikolo Oghenerukevwe

    8. Reuben Baru

  • JUST IN: Army declares eight wanted over Okuama killings

    JUST IN: Army declares eight wanted over Okuama killings

    The Defence Headquarters has declared eight people wanted over the recent killing of 17 soldiers in Delta State.

    The Military announced this in a statement posted on the X page of the Nigerian army on Thursday, March 28.

    The Nation reported that suspected residents of the Okuama Community on Thursday ambushed and murdered the Commanding Officer of 181 Army Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain and 13 soldiers.

    Read Also: Okuama killings: Rep member calls for caution, professionalism

    The troops were ambushed and killed while responding to a distress call arising from a clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities in the South-southern state.

    According to the statement, those declared wanted include:

    1. Akevwru Omotegbono (A.K.A Amagbem)

    2. Prof Ekpekpo Arthur

    3. Andaowei Dennis Bakriri

    4. Igoli Ebi

    5. Akata Malawa David

    6. Sinclear Oliki

    7. Clement Ikolo Oghenerukevwe

    8. Reuben Baru