DHQ: We’re probing reports of Okuama leaders’ deaths in military custody

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says it is investigating reports of the alleged deaths of two Okuama leaders in military custody.

Last week, James Oghoroko, the president-general of the Okuama community, and Dennis Okugbaye, the 81-year-old community’s treasurer, reportedly died six days apart after being detained by the military.

The deceased were said to have been arrested alongside four others by the military between August 18 and 20, and have since been kept in unknown detentions.

The four other persons who were arrested are Arthur Ekpekpo, Belvis Adogbo, Anthony Ahwemuria, and Rita Akata.

Their arrest followed the killing of 17 soldiers on March 14, 2024, during a peace mission aimed at resolving a dispute between Okuama and the neighbouring Okoloba community.

Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, Tukur Gusau, director of defence information, said Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff (CDS), has ordered a probe into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the community leaders.

“Regarding allegations of deaths in detention over the weekend, headlines surfaced suggesting that individuals detained in connection with the Okuama incident had died,” he said.

“Immediately, the CDS directed an investigation to be conducted by the 6 Division. Any moment from now, we expect the findings on whether the claims are true or not.

“For now, these remain allegations. We are committed to uncovering the truth, and by tomorrow, we will have more details.”