The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the reported deaths of two Okuama community leaders, Pa James Oghoroko and Pa Denis Okugbaye, who allegedly died while in military custody. The incident has raised concerns over human rights and accountability within military operations.
Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, disclosed this at the End-of-Year Briefing by the Strategic Communications Interagency Committee (SCIPC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). He confirmed that the investigation, spearheaded by the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division in Port Harcourt, would produce findings by December 16.
The two leaders, aged 81 and 65, were detained alongside four others in August in connection with the killing of 17 military personnel during a peace mission between the Okuama and Okoloba communities in March. Reports indicate that the two elderly leaders died six days apart, sparking allegations of mistreatment in detention.
Gen. Gusau emphasized the CDS’s commitment to uncovering the truth. “We are determined to investigate these claims thoroughly. For now, these remain allegations, but we expect the 6 Division to submit its findings soon,” he stated.
