A member of the World Council of Urhobo Professors, Sunny Ahwefeada, has lamented that, after one year, security operatives are yet to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killing of 17 army personnel in Okuama, Delta State.
Speaking as a guest on Sunrise Daily, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Ahwefeada said that identifying the perpetrators of the heinous crime and bringing them to justice would go a long way in providing closure.
“We are all confused that, one year after, the intelligence community has not been able to make any headway in identifying the real perpetrators and bringing them to book. It is quite unfortunate,” he said.
“And I should put it on record that identifying the perpetrators and ensuring they face justice is a step towards closure. So, we are waiting and hopeful that someday the intelligence community will do the needful so we can finally know those behind this heinous crime,” Ahwefeada added.
He said the military had taken over the community after 17 army personnel were gruesomely killed on March 14, 2024, in the riverine community in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state, causing many residents to flee into the creeks and neighboring communities.
The Urhobo leader stated that Okuama community leaders arrested in the aftermath of the incident are still languishing in detention months after their arrest.
Ahwefeada, who regretted the death of one of the community leaders in military detention, appealed for the release of the remaining detainees. He also urged the government to set up an independent commission of inquiry, stating that such a move would help bring closure to the matter.
Okuama killings: Perpetrators yet to be found – Urhobo leader laments
