Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, has issued a powerful call for justice one year after the devastating military invasion of Okuama on March 14, 2024. The attack, launched in retaliation for the killing of Nigerian Army personnel, left the community in ruins, yet the federal government has remained silent on the plight of the affected people.
In a statement marking the grim anniversary, Dafinone urged the Nigerian government and military to either unconditionally release all detained suspects who have been held for over seven months without trial or allow them to face justice in an open court. He condemned the prolonged detention as a violation of fundamental human rights, warning that such actions tarnish Nigeria’s democratic image on the global stage.
Following public outcry and interventions by Dafinone and other stakeholders, the Nigerian Army released His Royal Majesty Clement Ikolo, King of Ewu Kingdom, on April 16, 2024, after three weeks in detention without charges. However, the Okuama community continued to suffer in the aftermath of the military onslaught. The situation escalated further in August 2024, when community President-General Pa James Achovwuko Oghoroko was arrested and later died in military custody, intensifying tensions.
Days later, Senator Dafinone intervened again after receiving reports that 81-year-old community treasurer Dennis Okugbaye, also detained, was gravely ill. His swift action secured Okugbaye’s release on bail, preventing another potential tragedy. Other detained leaders, including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mrs. Mabel Owhemu, and Mr. Dennis Malaka, remain in military custody without formal charges.
Amid the crisis, Dafinone has continued to support the displaced Okuama people, providing food and essential supplies while they were housed in an IDP camp in Ewu. He has also been in constant engagement with the community and authorities, advocating for the release of detainees and the rebuilding of Okuama.
“As the world marks the first anniversary of the Okuama military onslaught, I join the voices calling for justice, accountability, and urgent intervention to alleviate the suffering of the displaced Okuama people,” Dafinone declared. “One year later, homes remain destroyed, families are in distress, and the government has yet to act decisively. This silence must end.”
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He described the lack of basic infrastructure in Okuama as unacceptable and called on the federal and state governments, as well as humanitarian organizations, to prioritize the community’s rehabilitation. He urged immediate reconstruction efforts, including housing, schools, healthcare facilities, and roads, so that the displaced residents can return home and rebuild their lives.
Dafinone also condemned the continued detention of four Urhobo citizens by the Nigerian military, emphasizing that holding individuals without trial for seven months is a gross violation of their fundamental rights. He demanded their immediate release or a fair and transparent legal process.
Beyond rebuilding and securing detainees’ freedom, he stressed the need for accountability and preventative measures to ensure that such tragedies never happen again. He called on the government, civil society organizations, and the international community to take urgent action to restore Okuama and stand in solidarity with its people.
“As the representative of Delta Central, I remain committed to championing the cause of the Okuama people,” he affirmed. “The time for action is now—Okuama must be rebuilt, detainees must be released, and justice must be served to prevent this tragedy from repeating itself.”
One year after the bloodshed, the Okuama community still awaits justice. The question remains: will the government finally act, or will these victims be forgotten?
