A turbulent mixture of anger and sorrow has engulfed the riverine Okuama community of Delta State after its President-General, Pa James Oghoroko, reportedly died while in military custody.
Elders called an emergency meeting on Thursday after the news hit the rural town of Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Angry community youths were seen with long faces discussing the tragedy.
Indigenes claimed Oghoroko died from torture and alleged inhumane treatment in the undisclosed military facility.
It was also revealed that Pa Dennis Okugbaye, another community leader in the military detention, is currently sick.
Detained along with him were other Okuama community leaders, including Prof Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Pa Dennis Okugbaye, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria and Mrs. Rita Akata.
Their arrests occurred after a violent incident leading to the deaths of 17 soldiers, prompting military action in the community.
The Okuama community, outraged by the unlawful arrests, filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian Army, demanding N100 million for illegal detention.
The Federal High Court in the last sitting on 20th November, 2024 had adjourned the bail application of the arrested leaders to December 9, 2024, to hear the motion.
Oghoroko’s untimely death occurred just days before the bail hearing.
The community had, in August, through their lawyers filed suit No: FHC/WR/CS/84/2024, between James Oghoroko and others versus the Nigerian Army and two others, demanding N100 million for the illegal detention of the community leaders.
Earlier, following the demolition and destruction of Okuama community after the killing of 17 soldiers, the community, through their lawyers led by Olorogun Albert Akpomudje, SAN, had approached the Federal High Court, Warri, to seek redress.
The community filed different suits numbered FHC/WR/CS/41/2024, FHC/WR/CS/42/2024, and FHC/WR/CS/42/2024. The suits are now being consolidated.
