Residents of Okpare-Olomu Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State have denied allegations that soldiers engaged in violent actions during a recent crisis.
Youth leader Andrew Okpogbodu described the claims as baseless and intended to tarnish the Nigerian Army’s reputation.
In a conversation with AFRIPOST, Okpogbodu clarified that soldiers and police officers were deployed to restore peace after a tense situation escalated.
He accused the community’s President-General, Okiemute Otoka, of inciting violence by mobilizing loyalists to attack security personnel, stealing a police officer’s rifle, and injuring a vigilante member.
According to him, the soldiers successfully recovered the stolen weapon and did not engage in any violent acts.
Okpogbodu stated that internal disputes in the community had prompted interventions by local authorities, but Otoka allegedly refused to cooperate.
He claimed Otoka ignored a Local Government Council directive to postpone a community conference aimed at addressing grievances, further complicating the situation.
In response, Otoka dismissed claims of factionalism, accusing certain elders of illegal land sales and suppressing dissent.
He alleged that these “Super Elders” opposed his efforts to reform community practices and had used both spiritual and legal means to undermine his leadership.
Otoka insisted the community’s annual conference should proceed to allow members to address these grievances transparently.
A source within the Nigerian Army also denied allegations of misconduct, emphasizing the Army’s commitment to supporting law enforcement and maintaining a positive relationship with civilians.
The source criticized misinformation, asserting that neither soldiers nor police engaged in any violent actions during the incident.
The situation remains tense as community leaders and authorities seek to resolve the ongoing disputes.
