…vows relentless push for release of Okuama leaders held in military custody for nearly one year
Delta Central Senator, Ede Dafinone, has assured the Urhobo nation that his office, alongside other influential Urhobo stakeholders, is working tirelessly with military authorities to secure the release of Okuama community leaders who have been detained without trial for close to a year.
Those in detention include Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Mr. Julius Oghoroko, Mr. Bernard Esegba, Okuama President-General Pa James Oghoroko, Treasurer Pa Dennis Okugbaye, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria, and Mrs. Rita Akata. They were arrested between August 18 and 20, 2024, over alleged involvement in the killing of 17 soldiers reportedly on a peace mission to the Okuama community.
Speaking on Crown FM Effurun in a programme monitored by our correspondent, Senator Dafinone condemned the continued incarceration without formal charges, insisting on either their unconditional release or their arraignment before a competent court.
“Efforts to secure the release of our people have been ongoing,” Dafinone stated.
“We are working closely with senior Urhobo leaders at home and abroad, and we are in constant contact with the Nigerian Army and the justice system to find a resolution. No one should be held for a year without trial.”
The Senator revealed that one detainee has died in custody and called for the immediate release of the deceased’s body to his family for burial.
He vowed that stakeholders would not allow the anniversary of the arrests to pass without concrete progress.
Dafinone stressed that the matter transcends politics. “This is not an issue to score cheap political points, these are human lives, our brothers,” he declared.
The lawmaker disclosed that he, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and other Delta Central representatives are actively lobbying for urgent repairs on the Benin–Sapele–Effurun Highway.
He confirmed that he is in regular communication with the Minister of Works and that work has commenced on certain sections, particularly between Koko Junction and Effurun Roundabout.
Senator Dafinone expressed optimism about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, acknowledging the hardship but noting early signs of improvement.
“We are beginning to see results. For example, the price of rice, which peaked at ₦100,000 last year, is now around ₦70,000. It’s still high, but moving in the right direction,” he said.
He urged Delta Central residents to support both President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, stressing that the alignment between state and federal leadership would accelerate development.
Credit: REROTV except headline
