The military has deployed troops to Okpare community in Olomu Kingdom of Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, following escalating tensions over a botched annual conference that has left one person dead.
It was gathered that some elders and leaders of the community are allegedly backing the removal of the President General of the community, Mr. Okiemute Otaka against the popular opinion wanting him to continue.
Trouble started on December 26, 2024, when those opposed to the president general remaining in office, moved to halt the conference through a purported court injunction, triggering unrest immediately.
The unrest turned deadly as John Ogedegbe, a community resident, was reportedly shot and later died from his injuries.
Ogedegbe was allegedly shot by a member of the vigilante group assisting military personnel deployed to restore peace and enforce compliance with a directive postponing the community conference. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he reportedly succumbed to his injuries.
The military intervention, backed by police and other security agencies, followed rising tension surrounding the planned annual conference.
Local government authorities claim the gathering was postponed due to a court order prohibiting community meetings amid unresolved legal disputes.
Chairman of Ughelli South Local Government Area, Dr. Lucky Avweromre, defended the military’s action, stating that the deployment was necessary to prevent further chaos.
“The military and other security agencies were deployed to maintain peace and enforce compliance with the directive to postpone the community conference,” Avweromre said in a statement signed by Ewenede J.A., secretary to the local government.
However, the President General of Okpare-Olomu, Mr. Okiemute Otaka, condemned the heavy-handed approach and refuted claims of a court order stopping the conference.
“The annual conference is the community’s highest decision-making platform. Those opposing it are trying to cover up the illegal sale of the community’s land,” Otaka stated.
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He confirmed Ogedegbe’s death and the arrest of eight youths and a woman during a peaceful protest against the military occupation of the community’s town hall.
The arrests and the killing have sparked widespread outrage. On Friday, over 1,000 women staged a protest at the palace of the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, condemning the military’s presence and calling for justice for Ogedegbe.
“The killing of our son and the military occupation are unacceptable. We demand justice and peace in our community,” one of the protesters said.
The women also expressed unwavering support for Otaka’s leadership and accused those opposing the conference of hiding fraudulent land deals. They urged the monarch to intervene and bring lasting peace to the kingdom.
While the military presence aims to restore order, the situation remains tense as the community grapples with the tragic loss and underlying issues fueling the unrest.
