The lawmaker representing Delta Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Ede Dafinone, has tasked the Federal Government with ensuring justice for the Okuama people following the military onslaught of March 14, 2024, which left the community in ruins.
The attack was carried out in response to the brutal killing of men and officers of the Nigerian Army earlier that day.
However, one year later, the government has yet to take decisive action to address the suffering of the affected people.
In a press statement released on the first anniversary of the tragic events, Senator Dafinone also called on the Nigerian government and the Nigerian Army to either unconditionally release all detained suspects who have been held without trial for over seven months or allow them to be tried in an open court.
He condemned the continued violation of their rights, stressing that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
According to him, the military’s actions in detaining individuals without trial undermine Nigeria’s reputation in the global community of democratic nations.
Following interventions by Senator Dafinone and other stakeholders, the Nigerian Army, on April 16, 2024, released the King of Ewu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Clement Ikolo, who had been arrested and detained for three weeks without any charges, sparking public outcry.
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However, while the Okuama community was still reeling from the effects of the military onslaught, its President-General, Pa James Achovwuko Oghoroko, who was among the community leaders arrested by the Nigerian military in August 2024, tragically died in military detention. His death further heightened tensions among the people.
The senator said urgent efforts must be made to restore housing, schools, healthcare facilities, and roads, “enabling the community to rebuild their lives and reclaim their dignity.”
“The government’s duty is not only to protect but also to rehabilitate communities affected by conflicts—Okuama should be no exception,” he added.
The federal lawmaker also condemned the continued detention of four Urhobo citizens by the military since August 2024.
He said seven months without trial constitutes a gross violation of their fundamental rights and demanded their immediate release or a fair and transparent trial.
“As a representative of Delta Central Senatorial District, I remain committed to championing the cause of the Okuama people,” he said.
“I call on all well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organisations, and the international community to stand in solidarity with Okuama in demanding justice, rehabilitation, and the protection of fundamental rights.
“It is time for the government to act—restore Okuama, release the detainees, and ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.”
The senator, who also facilitated the supply of palliative items, including food, to the displaced Okuama people while they were at the IDP camp in Ewu, expressed his continuous engagement with the community and its leaders regarding the release of detained community leaders and the rebuilding of Okuama.
