The Nigerian army in a fresh move have arrested the University lecturer, Professor Arthur Ekpekpo, who was declared wanted on 28th March 2024, following the killing of 17 soldiers around Okuama Community in Ughelli south local government area of Delta State.
Prof. Ekpekpo, was appointed on February 17th 2022, by former governor of the State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, as member of the Governing Council of the University of Science and Technology, Ozoro.
The military equally arrested the Secretary of the Community, Mr. Dennis Okugbaye, in the wee hours of Monday August 19, 2024, at his residence in Ughelli, the administrative headquarters of Ughelli north local government area of the State.
It was gathered that the military stormed his abode in two army Hilux Vans with a community indigene who identified him.
Reliable information at The Story, desk, reveals that the clampdown on community members is not unconnected with the death of 17 soldiers on 14th March 2024.
It was reliably learnt that the Camp Commandant of the IDP Camp in Ewu town, Belivis Adogbo and the President General of the community, Mr. James Oghoroko were equally arrested.
It was learnt that their whereabouts is yet unknown as the Secretary’s line wasn’t going when family members tried reaching him on his cellphone.
Professor Arthur Ekpekpo, was among six others declared wanted by the military high Command, including Andaowei Dennis Bakriri, Akevwru Daniel Omotegbo (a.k.a Amagben), Igoli Ebi, a woman.
He was arrested at Oghara, Ethiope west local government area of the State.
A source said the senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, has been contacted over the development.
Also, placed on notice, is the Chairman of Ughelli south local government council, Hon. Dr. Lucky Avweromre.
Meanwhile, the arrest is coming on the backdrop of the visit of the Ughelli south Chairman to the community and IDP camp last week.
It is also coming at a time when the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori said the state government had awarded contracts for the construction of a health centre and six classroom blocks for Primary and Secondary Schools in Okuama community, adding that the IDPs would soon return to their ancestral community.
The clampdown on the community leaders has sent fear to Indigenes in the camp and those at home, wondering if the building of the community and their return home would be possible over fear of being harassed by the military again.
Asked whether the State Police Command was aware of the new move, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Edafe Bright, said: “No”, in a text message.
At press time, calls put across to the cellphone and text message sent to the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Shittu Ibrahim, 63 Brigade, Army Headquarters, Asaba, were not replied.
