Okuama Tension: Arrest of Wanted Professor Sparks Anxiety in Delta State

Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, President General of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom in Delta State, who had been declared wanted by the Nigerian military in connection with the brutal killing of 17 military personnel near the creeks in Okuama, has reportedly been apprehended.

Prof. Ekpekpo, a lecturer at Delta State University, Abraka, and a native of Okuama in Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, was among those sought by the military for their alleged involvement in the soldiers’ deaths. According to reports, he was arrested on Sunday in Sapele, a city known for its timber industry, by individuals in military uniforms.

The Nigerian military had previously vowed to capture Prof. Ekpekpo and others linked to the tragic killing of the 17 soldiers. It was also reported that four additional individuals, including two prominent chiefs from the kingdom and natives of Okuama, were arrested by state agents early Monday morning.

Among those arrested were Chief Belvis Adogbo and Chief Dennis Akugbaye, who were reportedly apprehended at different locations in the Ughelli and Udu areas of Delta State. Multiple sources have confirmed the arrests of Prof. Ekpekpo and the other leaders of Okuama.

The arrests have sparked significant tension among Okuama residents, many of whom are currently sheltering at an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) site in Ewu town, located in Ughelli South Local Government Area.

The military has yet to officially confirm the arrest of Prof. Ekpekpo and the other leaders of Okuama.

The situation traces back to an incident in March, where unknown gunmen allegedly attacked and killed 17 military personnel, including four officers, who were on a peace mission related to a land dispute between Okuama and Okoloba communities. In response, the Nigerian military launched a reprisal attack, razing Okuama community to the ground, including its hospitals, schools, and other private structures.

Subsequently, the military declared several individuals wanted, including the Ovie (King) of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oghenerukevwe Clement Ikolo, Urhukpe 1, and Prof. Ekpekpo. The monarch, who voluntarily surrendered to the military, was detained for weeks before being released by the Defence Headquarters.

Attempts to reach SP Bright Edafe, the spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, for comments on the arrest of Prof. Ekpekpo and others, were unsuccessful at the time of this report.