The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has launched an investigation into the deaths of two Okuama community leaders, Pa James Oghoroko and Dennis Okugbaye, who reportedly died while in Army custody. The leaders were detained following a military operation linked to the killing of 17 soldiers during a peace mission in March 2024.
Oghoroko, the President-General of Okuama, and 81-year-old Okugbaye, the community treasurer, were among six individuals arrested between August 18 and 20, 2024. The arrests were part of an operation addressing escalating tensions between Okuama and the neighboring Okoloba community. Tragically, both men died six days apart, sparking allegations of maltreatment during detention.
Speaking on the matter, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, confirmed that the Chief of Defence Staff had tasked the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army with investigating the claims. A comprehensive report is expected to be submitted by Monday.
“We are committed to uncovering the truth,” Gusau stated during the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee briefing. “The CDS has directed a full investigation, and any moment from now, we will receive more details. For now, these remain allegations.”
The deaths have raised questions about military accountability and human rights in conflict resolution efforts. The public eagerly awaits the investigation’s findings, which are expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
