Defence chief orders probe of Okuama leaders’ death

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa

DHQ denies foreign military base in Nigeria

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has ordered a thorough investigation into the alleged deaths of two Okuama community leaders, while in Army custody.

The Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusaux, disclosed this at yesterday’s end-of-the-year briefing in Abuja by the Strategic Communications Interagency Committee (SCIPC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The deceased leaders were Pa James Oghoroko, the President General of the Okuama Community, and Pa Denis Okugbaye, the community’s treasurer, who was 81 years old.

It was reported that the duo died six days apart, while in detention by the military.

The duo, along with four others, Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Belvis Adogbo, Mabel Owhemu and Dennis Malaka were apprehended in August. They had been detained in connection with the killing of 17 military personnel in the community on March 14 during a peace mission aimed at resolving a dispute between Okuama and Okoloba communities.

Responding to questions, Gusau said that the CDS had directed the 6 Division Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations and submit its report, yesterday, December 16.

MEANWHILE, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters has said there is no single foreign military base in the country.

This was in response to speculations that a foreign military base is domiciled in the country. According to the spokesman of the Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Edward Buba, “the attention of Defence Headquarters has been drawn to online reports alleging the arrival of the first contingent of French soldiers in Maiduguri towards establishing a French Military base in North East Nigeria.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria hereby state unequivocally that this information is fake, totally false and mischievous. Recall that the CDS recently addressed this matter in different media forums in which he debunked the news.

“Accordingly, the general public is urged to disregard these news and speculations. These are the antics of mischief makers.

“Nevertheless, the military will continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities, most professionally and ensure the territorial integrity of our nation.”