Okuama: Release Arrested DELSU Professor, Group Tells Military

Urhobo Renaissance Society (URS), a college of Urhobo professionals across the globe, has picked holes in the arrest of President General of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, Prof Arthur Ekpekpo, a renowned lecturer with the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Delta State.

Ekpekpo, an indigene of Okuama, Ughelli south local government area of the state, was arrested by the Nigerian military on Sunday in connection with the slain of 17 military personnel by unknown gunmen around the Okuama community in Delta state.

URS, while charging the military authorities to release him, urged the military to go after the actual killers of the gallant army personnel and enemies of the Nigerian state behind the dastardly act.

Reacting to the arrest of Ekpekpo in a statement signed by its Secretary, Dr John Uwa, URS demanded the immediate release of the professor and the release of the different investigative reports into the Okuama bloodshed, which resulted in the destruction of the entire community by soldiers.

“The Okuama people are scattered with some in the IDP camp, still recovering from the unjust destruction of their community by the military.

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Other demands include the immediate and unconditional release of Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo or his prosecution in court and the Release of the Military Investigation Panel Report on the Okuama incident.
The government should ensure that those responsible are held accountable, that the redevelopment of the Okuama community is set in motion, and that its people are returned to their ancestral lands.

While we remain a responsible and law-abiding organisation, we call on the federal government to act responsibly by respecting the constitution of the land.”

Ekpekpo and six other leaders of the now-destroyed Okuama community were arrested at different locations in Delta over their alleged connection with the murder of the gallant officers.

The Professor’s arrest came after being declared wanted by the Nigerian Defence Headquarters alongside seven other suspects accused of masterminding the killing of the slain personnel.