The Urhobo Renaissance Society (URS) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo and other leaders of the Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, or for them to be formally charged in court.
The URS made this demand in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Secretary, Dr. John Uwa, and shared with journalists in the state.
Recall that Prof Ekpokpo of the Delta State University (DELSU) and president of Ewu Community Development Union as well as two other Okuama community leaders were apprehended from different parts of the state on August 18, 2024.
The organization also called for the release and public dissemination of the report by the Military Investigation Panel on the Okuama incident, urging the government to hold accountable those responsible.
Additionally, the URS requested that the government initiate the reconstruction of Okuama community and ensure the return of its displaced residents to their ancestral lands.
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“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,” the group appealed.
The URS accused the military of continuing to pursue “imaginary enemies” in Urhobo land following the tragic ambush and killing of 17 Nigerian Army officers and soldiers in March near Okuama community.
The statement reads, “It has come to our notice that on August 18, 2024, a team of military officers ambushed and abducted Professor Arthur Ekpekpo, a respected academic from Delta State University and President General of the Ewu Community Development Union.
“You may recall that Professor Ekpekpo was one of the elders of the Okuama community declared WANTED by the Nigerian Army during its invasion of Okuama community in Delta State, along with the revered monarch of Ewu Community.
“The monarch was subjected to the most inhumane and degrading treatment ever accorded to a Traditional Ruler in Nigeria until widespread public outcry led to his eventual release by the Nigerian Army.
“After the total destruction of Okuama community, the Nigerian Army admitted to identifying the perpetrators of the horrific killing of 17 military officers in the Forcados River near Okuama.
“However, the Military Panel established by the Army to investigate the matter has disappeared into obscurity, with no report presented to the Nigerian public.
“In an effort to enforce their fundamental human rights, Professor Ekpekpo, along with other members and residents of Okuama community affected by the punitive destruction, filed several lawsuits at the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State.
“The Nigerian Army is yet to respond to the allegations and claims in these suits.
Meanwhile, the people of Okuama community remain displaced, living in a camp in Ewu and reliant on the charity of well-meaning members of the public.
“The Federal Government has yet to announce any plans for the redevelopment of Okuama community.
“The Urhobo Renaissance Society, therefore, expresses 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 from Delta State University, by military/security personnel on August 18, 2024, in Sapele, Delta State, after being declared wanted over the Okuama affair.
“He is now being held incommunicado without being brought before a court of appropriate jurisdiction.
This constitutes 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 individuals already identified by the Nigerian Army.
“The perpetrators must be brought to justice. We were pleased when it was reported that the military was pursuing a certain Amagbein from Igbomotoru, Bayelsa State, in connection with the killing of the gallant officers.
“However, to date, nothing has been said about that pursuit. It is disturbing that the military, unable to track down and prosecute a known militant, has instead targeted a respected professor from Delta State University simply because he is an illustrious son and leader of the Okuama community.
“The Okuama people are scattered, with some still in the IDP camp, recovering from the unjust destruction of their community by the military.”
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE