The House of Representatives has urged the Nigerian military to urgently release innocent citizens of Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State and rebuild the community.
The appeal was made in a motion on the ” Call for the Immediate Release of Innocent Citizens of Okuama Community in Ughelli South of Delta State and rebuilding of the community by the Nigerian Army”, moved by Mr. Francis Waive.
The House also urged the Nigerian Army to release the investigation report on the incident and charge detained innocent members of the community to court.
They also urged the army to rebuild the homes destroyed by their men in the wake of the incident.
Leading the debate on the motion, Mr. Uwaive said that the House notes that the affected community requested that a judicial inquiry be made to look into the facts of the events, an option that was not considered.
He said that cognizant that the Committee on Defense conducted an investigation into the matter, which the Army refused to participate.
“Aware that the Nigerian Army decided to conduct their own investigations, it is believed that by now, one year later, they should have had sufficient time to conclude investigations.
“The House recalls the unfortunate killing of 17 Soldiers on 14 March 2024, whose lifeless bodies were discovered in Okuama Community in Ughelli South of Delta State, leading to the destruction of the community and the arrest of members of the community by the Nigerian Army;
“Concerned that since the unfortunate event happened, the perpetrators of the crime have not been arrested, thereby sending a wrong signal, especially in light of many reports in the press last year where the Chief of Defense Staff claimed the military knows the perpetrators of the heinous act;
“Also concerned that several innocent indigenes of the community, including the President General of the community, Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Hon. Chief Belvis Adogo, Mr. Dennis Amlaka, Miss Owhemu Mabel, and Pa James Oghoroko, who died in custody, among others, were detained and have since been in detention;
“Worried that this week marks the one-year anniversary of a tragic event, and the community members in the Army’s custody have not been taken to court or released on bail,” the motion said.
The House mandated the Committee on Defense to ensure compliance to the resolutions and report to within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Confidence Okwuchi
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