Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has ordered an investigation into the deaths of two Okuama leaders, Pa James Oghoroko and Dennis Okugbaye, who reportedly died while in military custody.
The announcement was made by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, during an end-of-year briefing for the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee.
Addressing the situation, Gusau said, “There have been reports alleging that individuals detained in connection with the Okuama case died in custody.
“The CDS immediately instructed the 6 Division to investigate these claims. The findings, which will determine the validity of these allegations, are expected soon. As of now, they remain unconfirmed.”
He assured the public of the military’s commitment to uncovering the facts, with updates anticipated within 24 hours.
Oghoroko and Okugbaye were detained alongside Professor Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mrs. Mabel Owhemu, and Mr. Dennis Malaka following the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama.
The soldiers had been deployed to restore peace between Okuama and Okoloba, two conflicting communities in Delta State’s Ughelli South Local Government Area.
The two leaders died six days apart while in a military detention facility, sparking grief among community members. Their deaths have fueled tensions, with residents threatening to stage protests.