Okuama residents threaten protest after second leader dies in military detention

Dennis Okugbaye, another Okuama resident, has died in military detention, throwing other residents of the Delta community into mourning.

The 81-year-old was the treasurer of the community before his death. The news of his death came six days after Pa James Oghoroko, the community’s President-General, died in military detention.

The Guardian had earlier reported the death of Oghoroko, one of the Okuama leaders arrested by the Nigerian military in August alongside Dennis Okugbaye and other residents, following the killing of 17 military personnel in the community in March, allegedly died from torture.

It was earlier reported that Okugbaye was battling for his life in the undisclosed military facility at the time of Oghoroko’s death.

The news of the death of the 81-year-old was announced by Pastor Akpos Okugbaye, his son.

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His death has thrown the community into mourning and ignited community protests.

Many women and youths of the community began to demand the release of other residents who are being held captive and the return of Pa Oghoroko’s corpse.

“After the seven days, this river will be blocked. Let the soldiers and Tinubu come and kill us so that we know Okuama is wiped out entirely,” protesters declared on Sunday,” protesters threatened.