In a unified voice resonating from the heart of the Niger Delta, a coalition of monarchs, retired security officers, clerics, and activists have issued a resolute plea to the Federal Government.
Their impassioned call is for an immediate withdrawal of the Army’s presence from the embattled Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, as well as other communities in Delta and Bayelsa States.
This collective appeal seeks to prevent further loss of lives and alleviate the escalating tension gripping the oil-rich region.
The genesis of this outcry stems from the tragic events that unfolded on March 14, when criminals attacked Okuama, resulting in the deaths of 17 military personnel and the theft of their weapons.
Since then, the Army has maintained a heavy presence in the area, intensifying the sense of fear and insecurity among villagers who have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in the surrounding forests.
Speaking with a sense of urgency, the stakeholders emphasized that the Army’s involvement in peace talks concerning a communal dispute between two communities is unwarranted and counterproductive.
Instead, they implore the Federal Government to establish an independent commission of inquiry to unravel the truth behind the Okuama tragedy and devise strategies to prevent its recurrence.
Among those advocating for a swift resolution to the crisis are esteemed figures such as HRM (Barr) Shadrach Peremobowei Erebulu, Aduo III, the traditional ruler of Kabowei Kingdom; Wing Commander Patrick Biakpara (retired); Most Rev. Hyacinth Oroko Egbebo, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bomadi; and Comrade Alagoa Morris, an environmentalist.
Their collective wisdom underscores the need for a multifaceted approach that prioritizes dialogue, investigation, and accountability.
They urge the perpetrators of the heinous crime to return the stolen weapons and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure justice is served.
Retired Air Force officer, Wing Commander P.Y. Biakpara, lamented the misuse of the military in resolving internal disputes, emphasizing the need for adherence to established rules of engagement.
Similarly, HRM Erebulu urged both the youth involved in the incident and the military to exercise restraint and pursue peaceful avenues for resolution.
Bishop Egbebo echoed the sentiment that lasting peace can only be achieved through equitable development and a concerted effort to address the root causes of conflict in the region.
He stressed the importance of unbiased investigations and the establishment of a commission of inquiry to uncover the truth.
Environmental activist, Comrade Alagoa Morris, urged the military to withdraw from the communities and allow law enforcement agencies like the Civil Defence and Police to handle the situation with precision and restraint.
He emphasized the need for intelligence-driven operations to apprehend the perpetrators without causing harm to innocent civilians.
As the calls for peace reverberate across the Niger Delta, political leaders and analysts weigh in on the need for decisive action.
Engr. Udengs Eradiri, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Bayelsa State, underscored the importance of strengthening local security forces and ensuring a fair and thorough investigation into the incident.
Political analyst Mikiste Ewansiha-Thomas criticized the Delta State government for its perceived inaction in addressing long-standing communal disputes, calling for a proactive approach to security and justice.
He emphasized the need for accountability and urged the Federal Government to take decisive steps to prevent further escalation of violence.
Amidst these appeals for peace and justice, the Army has reiterated its commitment to recovering the stolen weapons and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army/Land Component Commander, assured the public that the military operation in Okuama would adhere to international best practices and prioritize the safety of civilians.
In the midst of this tumult, the youth wing of the Urhobo Progress Union cautioned against a repeat of past atrocities like the Odi massacre and called for the military to respect human rights and the rule of law in its operations.
As tensions simmer and the quest for justice intensifies, the Niger Delta stands at a critical juncture, awaiting decisive action from government authorities and a collective commitment to peace and reconciliation.
The path ahead is fraught with challenges, but with unity, resolve, and a dedication to the common good, the region can overcome its tribulations and emerge stronger than before.
