BY JOEL GRANDBALL/UGHELLI
APPREHENSION has continued to grip the people of Ughelli South Local Government Area with the renewed military offensive in the Okuama community following the arrest of six persons in Sapele, Ughelli and Otu-Jeremi.
The series of arrests started on Sunday with the President General of Ewu Kingdom, Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo picked up by men in military uniforms at an undisclosed location in Sapele. Ekpekpo, after his arrest, was used on Monday morning as a pointer to apprehend Dennis Okubaye, Secretary of the Okuama community in Ughelli.
The military which simultaneously laid siege at the Iwhrenene Community in five Toyota Hilux also pounced on Chief BelvisAdogbo, Okuama Community political leader at his residence on Monday morning.
The operatives, in a commando style, further arrested James Oghoroko, Okuama community President General at his Ogilo Street residence in the Oteri area of Ughelli.
It was learned that four of those arrested are currently detained at a military facility in the Agbarha-Otor community in the Ughelli North Local Government Area.
Meanwhile, suspected operatives stormed the sleepy Otu-Jeremi headquarters of Ughelli South and arrested Pa Anthony Awhemuria, an Okuama elder similarly yesterday.
Ahwemuria was then used as a pointer to track and arrest Mrs. Rita Akata, wife of David Akata, Vice President General of Okuama and wanted Okuama leaders by men who claimed to be police operatives from Benin.
The arrests, according to sources, may not be unconnected to the March incident which led to the death of 17 military personnel near Okuama community.
The situation has caused serious apprehension amongst Okuama people with some at the Internally Displaced Camp at Ewu and other places fleeing for safety.
A source from the Okuama community said that the situation has also caused tension in the devastated community with angry youths left in confusion.
The arrest of Okuama leaders is coming at a time when peace is gradually returning to the troubled community as the Delta State Government and Urhobo Traditional Rulers are making plans to resettle the displaced people.
A security official in Ughelli who craved anonymity said that the suspected military offensive would continue in Bomadi, Ughelli and Ughelli South Council areas according to orders received.
Recall that the Okuama community was completely razed in March 2024 by soldiers of the Nigerian Army in a reprisal attack following the murder of 17 military personnel by unknown gunmen near the community.
Every building including hospitals, schools and other private buildings in the agrarian community was uprooted and reduced to rubbles.
As of the time of filing this report, no formal information has been received as to the reason for the arrest of the community leaders.
