The Niger Delta Congress (NDC) has called for the immediate release of all unjustly detained Okuama community leaders, describing their continued detention as unlawful and inhumane.
The congress made this call in a press release signed by its national spokesperson, Mudiaga Ogboru on Thursday.
This call came after the tragic deaths of late James Oghoroko, the president-general of the Okuama community and Pa Dennis Okugbaye, the treasurer of the Okuama community association, both of whom purportedly died in military custody.
He also requested for an immediate and unbiased investigation and sanctioning of everyone involved in the deaths of the two men in custody.
“The federal government must launch an independent probe into the circumstances leading to the deaths of late Oghoroko and Pa Okugbaye, as well as the deteriorating health of other detained leaders.
“The findings must be made public and all those found complicit must be held accountable, regardless of rank or position.
“The military and all state actors responsible for this heavy-handed approach must face appropriate punishments, as accountability is the foundation of a successful democracy,” Ogboru said.
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He called on the federal government to recommit to justice and communication with the Okuama people, adding that “rather than resorting to force, the government must engage the Okuama community in meaningful dialogue to address the root causes of this crisis.
“The pursuit of justice for the community, including their ongoing legal claims, must be respected.”
He warned that the Okuama peoples’ ongoing mistreatment risks igniting greater unrest and jeopardising the Niger Delta region’s already fragile stability.
“The violent clampdown on Niger Delta leaders is pushing the region’s youth to radicalization, as they witness the unchecked excesses of state actors and the silencing of their community’s voices,” he cautioned.
He reiterated that the congress fully supports the Okuama community’s quest for justice and the restoration of their fundamental rights.
