The Nigerian Army, after initially restricting access for 37 days, finally permitted Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to visit Okuama, the Ughelli South Local Government Area community where seven soldiers were killed, on Saturday.
The governor’s visit to Okuama on Saturday, accompanied by Brig. Gen. Unachukwu Ugochukwu and Lt. Col. Dabo, exposed the shocking extent of the destruction, with the military having levelled almost every building and structure in the community.
The release of the Ovie (King) of Ewu-Urhobo, His Majesty Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo, Urhukpe 1, after 21 days of detention at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, follows his self-surrender, along with eight others wanted by the Defense Headquarters in connection with the killing of the soldiers, leading to this latest development.
Oborevwori on his visit to Okuama said, “We have followed due process in the whole incident. The people (soldiers) have been buried and the king who was detained has been released yesterday (Firday) and today I am here to see what happened in Okuama community.
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“We have been enjoying peace and security since last year until the 14th of March when the four Army officers and 13 soldiers were murdered.
“They were not just murdered; their bodies were mutilated, and we have come here to see what happened.
“Let me reiterate Mr President’s promise that no innocent person would be victimised and you can see that, from that time till now, there has been no harassment of citizens of this community.
“I have come to see how the innocent people of this community can be reintegrated back with the cooperation of the military.
The governor acknowledged the situation’s severe consequences for those affected but underscored the need to follow established procedures. He highlighted the productive partnership between the Brigade Commander and his team, enhanced by the presence of Lt. Col. Dabo, the newly appointed Commander of the 181 Battalion.
“We know it’s a big loss to them, but we have to follow due process. The Brigade Commander is with us and the newly posted Commander of 181 Battalion, Lt. Col. Dabo, is also here with us and it’s a great synergy,” the governor said.