Remembering One Year after the killings and Abuse of Human Rights.
Reflecting on the past one year of how the people of the Okuama community in Delta State of Nigeria have continued to suffer as a result of the invasion of the Nigerian Army that is being controlled by the Nigerian Government to their community.
We will never forget! The community was invaded and several houses in the community were razed. Hundreds of people were displaced or killed including women, children, youths, and seniors.
Ever since the community has never been the same again. The majority of the Villagers are still living in fear and still yet to return home because there is no home to return to, their homes have been destroyed. Once a thriving riverine community, Okuama now feels like a ghost town. The scars of that fateful event still lingers on.
Many of the displaced persons are still at an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Ewu Kingdom. They have continued to suffer from both the mental and psychological effects of what they have gone through in the hands of both government authorities and government security agencies.
Community Elders and Youth Leaders have continued to be threatened, arrested and been in detention facilities without trials resulting to the death of some such as the President-General of the Okuama community, Pa James Oghoroko, who reportedly died in military detention, the 81-year-old treasurer, Dennis Okugbaye, was also said to have lost his life also.
I will continue to speak up for the Rights and settlement of the Okuama people. Hopefully, sooner or later they return fully back to their community and get the peace they truly deserve.
I call on the International community to please join me in Speaking up for Peace and Justice and to uphold Human Rights for the people of Okuama community.
Ozuem Esiri Onyebolise
Peace Justice and Human Right Activist
President Soccer for Foundation
2oth March 2025
Leave a Comment