By Our Reporter
The House of Representatives on Tuesday called for the immediate release of the Nigerian Army’s investigation report on the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama Community, Ughelli South, Delta State, on March 14, 2024.
The House also urged the military to either release the detained community members or formally charge them in court, while advocating for the reconstruction of homes destroyed during the aftermath of the incident.
Francis Waive (APC, Delta) who moved the motion, recalled that the soldiers’ bodies were discovered in Okuama, which led to widespread destruction and mass arrests by the army.
Waive expressed concern that despite assurances from the Chief of Defense Staff last year that the military knew the perpetrators, no arrests have been made, raising serious concerns about justice and accountability.
He highlighted that several innocent members of the community, including the President General, Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Hon. Chief Belvis Adogo, Mr. Dennis Amlaka, Miss Owhemu Mabel, and Pa James Oghoroko, who died in custody, among others, have been detained without being charged.
“This week marks the one-year anniversary of this tragic event, and community members still remain in the Army’s custody without being taken to court or released on bail,” Waive said.
He added that the affected community had requested a judicial inquiry into the events, but this option was not pursued. He also pointed out that while the Committee on Defense conducted an investigation, the Army refused to participate.
“The Nigerian Army decided to conduct its own investigation, and it is believed that by now, one year later, they should have had ample time to conclude their findings,” Waive concluded.