As the people of Okuama in Ewu Kingdom in Ughelli South local government area of Delta State continue to mourn the death of Pa James Achovwuko Oghoroko in military facility, another indigene of the community has reportedly passed on.
The deceased, Dennis Okugbaye, an 81-year-old man was reported to have passed on Tuesday afternoon in a military facility.
The late Okugbaye was said to be Okuama community treasurer when he was arrested by military operatives.
He becomes the second Okuama leader that had died in military custody following the gruesome murder of 17 military personnel around the Okuama river in Delta State.
The octogenarian was picked up by military detective alongside five others including the late Oghoroko, Prof Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mrs. Mabel Owhemu and Mr. Dennis Malaka between August 18 and 20, 2024.
One of the children of the deceased, Pastor Akpos Okugbaye, confirmed the passage of his father to newsmen on Tuesday evening.
It was gathered that Okugbaye family has sent about N401,000 between Monday and Tuesday for Okugbaye’s healthcare through a source who revealed his worrying status at the Nigerian Army headquarters, 6 Division, Bori Camp, Portharcourt.
The source, who showed electronic transfer receipts of the money sent, also revealed that late Oghoroko also died in the same facility in Rivers State.
A secret military medical report of the Late Okugbaye dated 6th December, 2024 sighted by Vanguard signed on behalf of the Commandant has recommended his immediate release from custody owing to health issues and old age.
Unfortunately, Okugbaye died in detention without being released becoming the second Okuama person to die in military detention within one week.
Angry Okuama community people had on Sunday given the Nigerian Government and Nigerian Army, a Seven-day ultimatum to release the detainees or they will resort to self help and block the River Niger to access.
As at the time of this report, the situation is very tense at the community front with angry youths threatening immediate action.
