How Okuama Treasurer Died In Military Custody After Handing Over ₦140,000

How Okuama Treasurer Died In Military Custody After Handing Over ₦140,000The family of Pa Dennis Okugbaye, the 81-year-old treasurer of the Okuama community in Delta State’s Ughelli South Local Government Area, has spoken out about the circumstances surrounding his death while in military detention on December 10, 2024. The revelation comes amid growing concerns over the lack of response from both the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and military authorities, who have yet to address the incident six days after Pa Okugbaye’s death.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to family sources, who requested anonymity for security reasons, they were asked to pay ₦140,000 to the military to fuel a vehicle for transporting their ailing father from Port Harcourt to Asaba. Pa Okugbaye had reportedly been moved by military officers from Port Harcourt in Rivers State to the 63 Brigade in Asaba, Delta State, when he allegedly died on the way.

“We were told our father was very sick and that we needed to send ₦140,000 to fuel the vehicle that would bring him to Asaba so we could take him to the hospital,” a family source told The PUNCH. “We sent the money and were told to come to the 63 Brigade in Asaba on Monday, December 9, to receive him. They specifically told us that only his daughter could receive him.”

The family arrived in Asaba on Monday and waited for Pa Okugbaye’s arrival at the military barracks. However, his daughter waited until about 5 p.m. without any communication from the military. Concerned, the family contacted local leaders, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, to inform them of the situation.

“We went back home, and on Tuesday, when we tried to follow up, we were told that our father died on the road while being transported,” the family source added.

As of now, neither the military authorities nor the state governor have reached out to the family regarding Pa Okugbaye’s death.

The tragic incident follows the recent death of another Okuama community leader, Pa James Oghoroko, who also died while in military detention less than a week earlier. Both men, along with other community leaders, including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mrs. Mabel Owhemu, and Mr. Dennis Malaka, were arrested between August 18 and 20, 2024. They were detained without trial following the killing of 17 soldiers during a peace mission aimed at resolving a land dispute between the Okuama and Okoloba communities on March 14, 2024.

Attempts to reach the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Festus Ahon, were unsuccessful, as their calls and messages went unanswered at the time of filing this report.

In response to the deaths, social critic Mr. Zik Gbemre condemned Governor Oborevwori for failing to hold the military accountable. In a statement released on Sunday, Gbemre expressed outrage over the deaths of two Okuama community leaders in custody and the ongoing detention of four others.

“Oborevwori’s failure to take action and call the army to account for this gross abuse of power is shameful,” Gbemre said. “What is happening in Delta is appalling, disgraceful, and an incitement to further unrest.

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