Barely a week after the death of Okuama community’s President General, Pa James Oghoroko, while in military detention, another prominent community leader, 81-year-old Dennis Okugbaye, has also passed away under similar circumstances.
The news of Okugbaye’s death, which broke on Tuesday, has further heightened tensions within the community. He was arrested alongside Oghoroko and other community leaders on August 18 and 20, 2024, and had remained in detention without trial.
Despite Okugbaye’s deteriorating health and age, the authorities refused to release him, even after a military medical report recommended his release on December 6, 2024. The Okugbaye family had been sending significant sums of money, close to over N401,000, for his medical treatment, but it was not enough to save his life.
The death of these community leaders has sparked outrage and protests from the people of Okuama. They have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Nigerian government and the military to release the remaining detained leaders and the body of Pa Oghoroko. The protesters have warned that they will resort to self-help if their demands are not met
