The President General of Okuama community in Ewu Kingdom of Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Pa James Achovwuko Oghoroko, has reportedly died in a holding military facility, where he was being detained over the killing of 17 military personnel in the state.
Oghoroko was one of the Okuama leaders arrested by the Nigerian military since August 2024 without trial by the military authorities alongside the President General of Ewu Kingdom, Prof Arthur Ekpekpo who is still in detention.
Community sources alleged that Oghoroko reportedly died from torture and alleged inhumane treatment in military detention.
However, Oghoroko’s passage has thrown residents and indigenes of Okuama and Ewu Kingdom in mourning, describing his death as huge loss to the people of the community.
It was gathered other Okuama leaders including Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Okugbaye, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria and Mrs Rita Akata who are also being held in military detention are also alleged to be battling for their health in unknown military detention.
The arrest of the Okuama leaders followed the gruesome murder of 17 military personnel around Okuama community over the disputed land crisis with Okoloba in March 2024.
However, following the arrest of the community leaders, the community had through their lawyers filed a suit marked No: FHC/WR/CS/84/2024 at the Federal High Court Warri between James Oghorokor and other versus the Nigerian Army and two others are demanding N100m for their illegal detention.
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 and others had approached the Federal High Court, Warri to seek redress.
But reacting to the news of the death of Oghoroko, lead Counsel to the community and the deceased, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje SAN described the passage of Okuama President General as “a disturbing news”.
Akpomudje said he will meet with the family members and his team to know what steps to take next.
