Monarchs, retired security officers, clerics, and activists in the Niger Delta have called on the Federal Government to instruct the Army to withdraw its presence from the troubled Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State. They emphasized the need to prevent further loss of lives and ease tensions in the oil-rich region.
The stakeholders also urged the perpetrators responsible for the killing of 17 military personnel and the seizure of their weapons on March 14 in Okuama to find a way to return the arms and ammunition to the appropriate authorities. They stressed the importance of resolving the communal dispute between two communities without resorting to violence.
In addition, the leaders recommended that the Federal Government establish an independent commission of inquiry to investigate the incident at Okuama thoroughly. They believed this step would help identify the root causes of the conflict and prevent similar occurrences in the future. The stakeholders also advised the government to withdraw soldiers from other communities in Delta and Bayelsa states to prevent further escalation of tensions.
Among those who spoke on the matter were the traditional ruler of Kabowei Kingdom in Delta State, HRM (Barr) Shadrach Peremobowei Erebulu, Aduo III; Wing Commander Patrick Biakpara (retd); Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bomadi, Most Rev. Hyacinth Oroko Egbebo; and environmentalist, Comrade Alagoa Morris. Other notable voices included Iniruo Wills, the Co-convener of Embasara Foundation, Eric Omare, the ex-Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) president, and Engr. Udengs Eradiri, the former governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Bayelsa State.
The Nigerian Army had deployed to Okuama and neighboring communities following the attack on March 14, where a lieutenant colonel, two majors, and several others were killed. This deployment led to the displacement of villagers, including women and children, who sought refuge in the forests without access to food. The stakeholders urged for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and a swift return to normalcy in the affected communities.
