BY JOEL GRANDBALL/ UGHELLI
DAYS after the death of Okuama community President General, Pa James Achovwuko Oghoroko, in Nigerian military detention, 81 years old Dennis Okugbaye, Community Treasurer has allegedly died in detention, yesterday afternoon.
Until his death Okugbaye, was among the six arrested Okuama leaders whose reported death led to severe tension in Okuama community of Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Okuama leaders were arrested since August 2024 and have been kept by the military without trial.
The Late Okugbaye was arrested along late Oghoroko, Prof Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mrs. Mabel Owhemu and Mr. Dennis Malaka between August 18 and 20, 2024 and had remained in unknown detentions since.
Pastor Akpos Okugbaye broke the news of his father’s death amidst tears to reporterd.
Okuama Community, after the death of 72 year old Oghoroko has raised the alarm of the failing health of Pa Dennis Okugbaye, and demanded his immediate release.
A source revealed that Okugbaye family has sent about N401,000 between Monday and Tuesday for Okugbaye’s health care through a source who revealed his worrying status at the Nigerian Army headquarters, 6 Division, Bori Camp, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
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 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 gave 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.
