The community of Okuama-Ewu in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State has vehemently denied any connection to "General" Endurance Amagbein, a militant leader and oil bunkering player who was declared wanted by the Defense Headquarters in Abuja. The controversy arose after Amagbein allegedly appeared uninvited in the riverside community on March 14, amidst a backdrop of the killing of 17 military personnel in Okuama-Ewu.
A community leader, speaking to Vanguard, clarified that Amagbein is not from Okuama-Ewu and has no familial ties to the community. He emphasized that the community, comprised mainly of poor farmers, has no involvement in oil-related activities, which are central to Amagbein's alleged activities.
The leader explained that the conflict mentioned by the Army involving Amagbein is not with the people of Okuama-Ewu but likely relates to oil bunkering. He stated that the youths of Okuama-Ewu are focused on agriculture and other legitimate livelihoods to survive, distancing them from any association with Amagbein or the violence.
Regarding the destruction of buildings in Okuama-Ewu, the leader mentioned that over 2000 buildings were destroyed by the military, although an accurate count is yet to be determined due to the community's displacement. He expressed the community's intent to rebuild and reclaim their land through legal means, highlighting ongoing efforts to assess the extent of the destruction.
On the community's absence from the military Board of Inquiry and the House of Representatives investigative hearing, the leader cited fear of military reprisals as the reason for not submitting their memorandum. Despite this, the community intends to submit their documentation to ensure their voices are heard.
In response to the displacement of Okuama-Ewu residents, a management committee led by Mr. Abraham Ogbodo, former Editor of The Guardian Newspapers, has been working on resettlement and rehabilitation efforts. The committee inspected an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp for Okuama-Ewu refugees at Ewu, aiming to move the refugees from the forest to the camp within the week.
However, some refugees, including Mrs. Evuarhere Joseph, a farmer, expressed their reluctance to stay in an IDP camp outside Okuama-Ewu. They see such a move as conceding to an enemy plan to destroy their community. Instead, they vowed to march en masse from the forest to Okuama-Ewu, challenging the soldiers and demanding to return to their homeland.
