Okuama commanders’ deaths in military captivity are being investigated by the Defense Chief

General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has mandated an exhaustive inquiry into the circumstances behind the demise of Pa James Oghoroko and Denis Okugbaye, two prominent members of the Okuama community, who perished while detained by the Army.

During Monday’s End-of-Year Briefing by the Strategic Communications Interagency Committee (SCIPC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja, Director of Defense Information Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau revealed this.

Okugbaye, who was 81 years old, served as the treasurer of the Okuama community, while Oghoroko was their president-general.  The two allegedly passed away six days apart while in military custody.

The duo, along with four others — Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mrs Mabel Owhemu, and Mr Dennis Malaka, were apprehended in August.

They had been detained in connection with the killing of 17 military personnel in the community on March 14, during a peace mission aimed at resolving a dispute between Okuama and Okoloba communities.

In response to inquiries, Gusau stated that the CDS has ordered the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt to investigate the incidents thoroughly and report their findings on Monday, December 16.

Over the weekend, reports circulated claiming that detainees involved in the Okuama incident had passed away, leading to speculation about possible fatalities in captivity.

“The CDS has immediately ordered an investigation to be launched by the 6 Division at this very second.

The results on the veracity of the assertions are what we anticipate. These are just accusations at this time.

“We are committed to uncovering the truth, and by tomorrow, we will have more details,” he said.