Rita Odafe
Pa Dennis Okugbaye, the 81-year-old treasurer of the Okuama community in Delta State’s Ughelli South Local Government Area, has passed away while being detained by the military.
His death comes just six days after the community mourned the loss of President-General Pa James Oghoroko, who also died in military custody.
Pastor Akpos Okugbaye, the deceased treasurer’s son, announced his father’s death on Tuesday, causing deep sorrow in the already grieving community.
Reports indicate that Okugbaye’s family had recently sent over ₦401,000 to cover his medical costs between Monday and Tuesday.
There is growing concern among the residents that the deaths of these two community leaders may trigger a resurgence of protests.
It is notable that Okugbaye and Oghoroko were arrested by the military along with several others, including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo and Chief Belvis Adogbo, during a period from August 18 to 20, 2024.
The arrests were a reaction to the March 14 killing of 17 soldiers, who were engaged in a peacekeeping mission addressing tensions between the Okuama and nearby Okoloba communities.
In retaliation for the soldiers’ deaths, the military conducted a violent operation in Okuama, leaving the town devastated and forcing many residents to seek refuge in a camp for internally displaced persons set up by the Delta State government in Ewu Kingdom.
