Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District in the 10th Senate, has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure justice for the Okuama people following the military onslaught of March 14, 2024, which left the community in ruins.
The attack was carried out in response to the brutal killing of men and officers of the Nigerian Army earlier that day. However, one year later, the government has yet to take decisive action to address the suffering of the affected people.
In a press statement released on the first anniversary of the tragic events, Senator Dafinone also called on the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army to either unconditionally release all detained suspects who have been held without trial for over seven months or allow them to be tried in an open court.
He condemned the continued violation of their rights, emphasizing that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law. According to him, the military’s actions in detaining individuals without trial undermine Nigeria’s reputation in the global community of democratic nations.
Following interventions by Senator Dafinone and other stakeholders, the Nigerian Army, on April 16, 2024, released the King of Ewu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Clement Ikolo, who had been arrested and detained for three weeks without any charges, sparking public outcry.
However, while the Okuama community was still reeling from the effects of the military onslaught, its President-General, Pa James Achovwuko Oghoroko, who was among the community leaders arrested by the Nigerian military in August 2024, tragically died in military detention. His death further heightened tensions among the people.
A few days later, Senator Dafinone intervened upon receiving reports that the 81-year-old community treasurer Dennis Okugbaye also being held in military detention was gravely ill. Thanks to his timely efforts, Okugbaye was released on bail; otherwise, the elderly man might not have survived.
Both leaders, alongside others, including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mrs. Mabel Owhemu, and Mr. Dennis Malaka, were arrested by the military between August 18 and 20, 2024, and have remained in custody without any formal charges.
As the Senator representing Delta Central, Dafinone also facilitated the supply of palliative items, including food, to the displaced Okuama people while they were at the IDP camp in Ewu. He has continuously engaged with the community and its leaders regarding the release of detained citizens and the rebuilding of Okuama.
Senator Dafinone declared: “As the world marks the first anniversary of the Okuama military onslaught on March 14, I join the voices calling for justice, accountability, and urgent intervention to alleviate the suffering of the displaced Okuama people.
The events of that tragic day left an entire community in ruins, with homes destroyed and families forced into unimaginable hardship. One year later, the Nigerian government must take decisive action to ensure these innocent citizens are not abandoned and that justice is served.”
He decried the lack of basic infrastructure in Okuama, describing it as unacceptable: “These are Nigerian citizens who deserve protection, not neglect. I call on the federal and state governments, as well as humanitarian organizations, to prioritize the rebuilding of Okuama. Urgent efforts must be made to restore housing, schools, healthcare facilities, and roads, enabling the community to rebuild their lives and reclaim their dignity. The government’s duty is not only to protect but also to rehabilitate communities affected by conflicts—Okuama should be no exception.”
The Senator also condemned the continued detention of four Urhobo citizens by the Nigerian military since August 2024, emphasizing that seven months without trial constitutes a gross violation of their fundamental rights. He demanded their immediate release or a fair and transparent trial.
Furthermore, he stressed that justice for Okuama extends beyond rebuilding homes and releasing detainees—it also requires accountability and measures to prevent future injustices. He called on the government, civil society organizations, and the international community to stand in solidarity with Okuama and take urgent action to restore the community, secure the release of detainees, and ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
“As a representative of Delta Central Senatorial District, I remain committed to championing the cause of the Okuama people. I call on all well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organizations, and the international community to stand in solidarity with Okuama in demanding justice, rehabilitation, and the protection of fundamental rights. It is time for the government to act—restore Okuama, release the detainees, and ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.”
