Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has launched an investigation into the reported deaths of two Okuama community leaders, James Oghoroko and Dennis Okugbaye, who allegedly died in military custody six days apart.
Gatekeepers News reports that the duo was arrested alongside four others – Arthur Ekpekpo, Belvis Adogbo, Anthony Ahwemuria, and Rita Akata – between August 18 and 20, following the killing of 17 soldiers on March 14, 2024, during a peace mission.
According to Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Gusau stated that the investigation’s findings are expected to be submitted soon.
“Regarding allegations of deaths in detention over the weekend, headlines surfaced suggesting that individuals detained in connection with the Okuama incident had died,” he said.
“Immediately, the CDS directed an investigation to be conducted by the 6 Division. Any moment from now, we expect the findings on whether the claims are true or not.
“For now, these remain allegations. We are committed to uncovering the truth, and by tomorrow, we will have more details.”
