Urhobo Renaissance Society (URS), a college of Urhobo professionals across the globe, has called on the Nigerian military to release the President General of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, Professor Arthur Ekpekpo, who was arrested on Sunday in connection with slain 17 military personnel by unknown gunmen around Okuama community in Delta State.
URS, while picking holes in the arrest of Ekpekpo, a renowned lecturer with the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, charged the military authorities to go after the true killers of the gallant military personnel and enemies of the Nigerian State behind the dastardly act.
Ekpekpo, an indigene of Okuama and President General of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom in Ughelli South Local government area of the state, and six other leaders of the now destroyed Okuama community, were arrested at different locations in Delta over their alleged connection with the murder of the gallant officers.
The Professor’s arrest came after being declared wanted by the Nigerian Defence Headquarters alongside seven other suspects accused of masterminding the killing of the slain personnel.
But reacting to arrest of Ekpekpo in a statement signed by its Secretary, Dr. John Uwa, URS demanded for the immediate release of the professor.
The influential Urhobo group also demand for the release of the different investigative reports into the Okuama bloodshed which resulted in destruction of the entire community by soldiers.
The statement read, “NOT RELENTING in its pursuit of its imaginary enemies of the Nigerian Army in Urhobo land, it has to come our notice that on the 18th August 2024 a team of military officers ambushed and abducted Professor Arthur Ekpekpo, a respected academic of Delta State University and President of Ewu Community Development Union.
“You would recall that Professor Ekpekpo was one of the elders of the Okuama Community declared WANTED by the Nigerian Army in the course of its invasion of Okuama Community in Delta State along with the revered Monarch of Ewu Community. The later was subjected to the most inhuman and indignity ever accorded a Traditional Ruler in Nigeria until the clarion call of all led to his eventual release by the Nigerian Army. The Nigerian Army having wrecked havoc in the total destruction of Okuama Community later admitted that it has identified the perpetrators of the dastardly killing of 17 Military Officers in the Forcardos River, near Okuama. The Military Panel set up by the Army to provide details of its finding has gone into oblivion and no Report has been presented to the Nigerian Public on the issue.
“In a bid to enforce their Fundamental Humans Rights, Professor Ekpokpo, members and residents of Okuama community affected by the punitive destruction and punishment of the Okuama Community and people instituted several suits at the Federal High court, Warri, Delta State viz:
“Suit No FHC/WR/CS/37/2024 Between the Registered Trustees of Citizen Rights of Nig v The President FRN & ors
Suit No FHC/WR/CS/41/2024 Between Victor Akemor & Ors v The Nigerian Army & Ors Suit No. No FHC/WR/CS/42/2024 Betwe/en Prof. Ekpokpo & Ors v The ederal government of Nigeria & Ors.
“The Nigerian Army is yet to respond to the allegations and claims in these suits. Meanwhile, the People of Okuama Community have been consigned to a Displaced Peoples Camp at Ewu where they live on the charity of well meaning members of the public. The Federal Government is yet to roll out any plan for the re-development of Okuama Community.
“The Urhobo Renaissance Society therefore writes to express its deep concern and displeasure over the brazen and unlawful desecration of the traditional and intellectual spaces in the Okuama community. First, with the arrest, detention and subsequent release of His Royal Majesty, the King of Ewu Kingdom; and now, the arrest and detention of Professor Arthur Ekpekpo, a respected academic of Delta State University, by military/security personnel on 18th August 2024 at Sapele, Delta State; after being declared wanted over the Okuama affair. He is now kept incommunicado without being brought bfore a court of appropriate jurisdiction. This is a further violation of Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo’s fundamental human rights.
As a responsible organization, the URS has repeatedly called for a thorough investigation into the gruesome murder of the 17 military officers at the Forcados River, near Okuama, by persons or interest already identified by the Nigerian Army. The perpetrators must be brought to justice. We were pleased when it was reported that the military was on the trail of a certain Amagbein from Igbomotoru, Bayelsa State, in connection with the killing of the gallant officers. Until this day, nothing has been said about that trail. To that extent, we find it disturbing that the military which is unable to track down and prosecute a confirmed militant, has gone for a soft target—a respected Professor of Delta State University, simply because he is an illustrious son and President of the Okuama community. The Okuama people are scattered with some in the IDP camp, still recovering from the unjust destruction of their community by the military.
*Therefore, we the Urhobo Renaissance Society demand: The immediate and unconditional release of Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo or that he be charged to court.
“That the Report of the Military Investigation Panel on the Okuama incident be released.
“That the Government ensure that those responsible are held accountable,
” That the Re-development of Okuama Community be set in motion and its people returned to their ancestral lands.
“While we remain a responsible and law-abiding organization, we call on the federal government to act responsibly by respecting the Constitution of the land.”
