By Admin 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri..
DELTA: Two groups, Value Rebirth & Empowerment Initiative and Ewu Clan Development Forum, have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the prolonged detention of six Okuama Community indigenes by the Nigerian Army.
The detainees, held for over 113 days without charges, include Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Hon. (Chief) Belvis Adogbo, Mr. Dennis Okugbaye, Mr. Dennis Amalaka, and Owhemu Mabel.
Their situation has sparked outcry over alleged human rights violations.Executive Director of Value Rebirth & Empowerment Initiative, Amb. (Pastor) Edewor Egedegbe, described the detention as a “clear violation of fundamental rights guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.
”“The detention of these individuals is not only a violation of their human rights but also a breach of democratic principles and the rule of law,” Egedegbe said during a press briefing at the NUJ Warri Secretariat.The groups also mourned the death of Mr. James Oghorokor, President-General of Okuama Community, who died in Army custody on December 4, 2024. “We demand a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death,” they stated.
The groups highlighted that Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, had written to the Chief of Army Staff on October 9, 2024, requesting the detainees’ release or arraignment. However, the Army reportedly ignored the plea.Speaking on behalf of the Ewu Clan Development Forum, Public Relations Officer Sir John Ebireri condemned the Army’s actions.“The Nigerian Army has no legal justification to detain our kinsmen indefinitely. Their rights to fair hearing and due process must be respected,” Ebireri said.He criticized the Army for taking over the duties of the Police and emphasized that the detainees, being civilians, cannot be investigated or tried under military laws.The groups jointly urged President Tinubu to: Order the immediate release of the detainees.Investigate the death of Mr. James Oghorokor.Set up a commission of inquiry into the March 14 incident that led to the burning of Okuama Community and subsequent detentions.Ensure the Nigerian Army operates within the confines of the law, particularly Section 217 of the 1999 Constitution.