A year after the military operation that devastated Okuama community in Delta State, Nigerian Senator Ede Dafinone has renewed calls for justice and rehabilitation, urging the federal government to address the ongoing plight of the affected people.
The attack, which took place on 14 March 2024, was launched in response to the killing of Nigerian Army personnel earlier that day. However, one year later, no concrete steps have been taken to rebuild the community or provide justice for its people.
In a statement marking the first anniversary of the tragedy, Senator Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, demanded the immediate release or fair trial of all detained suspects, some of whom have been held without charge for over seven months.
He criticised their continued incarceration, stating that detaining individuals indefinitely without trial undermines Nigeria’s democratic principles and global reputation.
Among those detained by the military was His Royal Majesty Clement Ikolo, King of Ewu Kingdom, who was arrested and held without charge for three weeks before being released following public outcry.
Senator Dafinone described the situation as a gross violation of human rights, stressing that the government has a duty to uphold justice.
“All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The continued detention of these individuals without trial is unacceptable and must be addressed immediately.”
Beyond the issue of detentions, Dafinone also called for urgent reconstruction efforts in Okuama, where many residents remain displaced.
He urged both the federal and state governments, as well as humanitarian organisations, to prioritise rebuilding housing, schools, healthcare facilities, and roads to help the community recover.
“The events of that tragic day left an entire community in ruins, with homes destroyed and families forced into unimaginable hardship. One year later, the Nigerian government must take decisive action to ensure these innocent citizens are not abandoned and that justice is served,” he said.
The senator emphasised that justice for Okuama must go beyond rebuilding homes—it also requires accountability for the military’s actions and safeguards to prevent future abuses.
He called on civil society organisations and the international community to stand in solidarity with Okuama and press for urgent government intervention.
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