The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned the death of Pa James Oghoroko, the President-General of Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, while in military detention. HURIWA described this incident as a glaring example of the military?s increasing disregard for human rights and called for immediate accountability for the alleged atrocities committed by the Nigerian army in the region.

Pa Oghoroko, who was arrested in August 2024 alongside other leaders of the Okuama community, including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Okugbaye, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria, and Mrs. Rita Akata, reportedly died from torture and inhumane treatment while in military custody. The community leaders were detained after the killing of 17 soldiers in the area, an event that HURIWA acknowledged as a serious crime but one that was mishandled by the Nigerian military.

While condemning the killing of the soldiers, HURIWA firmly asserted that this does not justify the military?s alleged violent and excessive response in Okuama. Soldiers, reportedly acting on direct orders from the President, carried out a brutal invasion of the community, destroying properties and committing what HURIWA described as ?scorched-earth killings.? The President?s language, which reportedly authorized the military to ?deal with the people,? set the tone for these atrocities, and HURIWA argued that it emboldened the military?s use of excessive force.

?The President?s language before the operation set the stage for these atrocities. This unfortunate choice of words emboldened the military?s excessive use of force, turning Okuama into a symbol of unchecked impunity,? HURIWA noted.

HURIWA expressed deep concern over the treatment of detainees within military facilities, describing them as breeding grounds for torture and extrajudicial killings. The organization criticized the Defense Headquarters for failing to uphold basic human rights, pointing to Pa Oghoroko?s death as the latest in a series of avoidable tragedies that the military has failed to address.

?This is not just a death; it is an indictment of the military?s systemic failure to protect the basic rights of Nigerians, even those in custody. The lack of accountability for such deaths perpetuates a culture of impunity,? HURIWA stated. The rights group also raised fears for the safety of another detainee from Okuama, Pa Dennis Okugbaye, who is reportedly battling for his life in the same undisclosed military facility.

HURIWA further emphasized that the Okuama incident is part of a broader and disturbing pattern of human rights violations by Nigeria?s military. The organization pointed out that the human rights desk in the military is non-functional and that the department for civil-military relations exists only in name, failing to address the growing concerns of the civilian population.

?The Okuama tragedy shines a spotlight on the monumental failures of these structures. If the military cannot effectively manage its relationship with civilians, it is failing in one of its fundamental duties,? HURIWA said.

In response to the ongoing human rights abuses, HURIWA called on the newly confirmed Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, to outline his human rights agenda and to address the military?s culture of impunity. The organization stressed that most past Army Chiefs have largely ignored this critical aspect of military leadership, allowing violations to persist unchecked.

?Nigeria deserves a military that respects the rule of law and upholds the dignity of its citizens. We challenge the new COAS to prioritize a clear and actionable human rights agenda,? HURIWA declared.

In addition, HURIWA called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Pa Oghoroko?s death. The organization insisted that those responsible for his death as well as the atrocities committed during the Okuama invasion must face justice. ?Extra-judicial killings in military custody cannot become the norm. Someone must be held accountable for Pa Oghoroko?s death, as well as the atrocities committed during the Okuama invasion,? HURIWA stated.

The rights group also urged the judiciary to expedite the cases filed by the Okuama community against the Nigerian Army, which include demands for redress and accountability for the destruction of their community. While observing that the Federal High Court had previously adjourned the bail application for the arrested leaders to December 9, 2024. HURIWA noted that Pa Oghoroko?s death now casts a shadow over these proceedings, raising concerns that justice may be delayed or denied altogether.

?We call on Nigerians, civil society organizations, and international bodies to join us in demanding accountability for military atrocities. The death of Pa Oghoroko must not be another statistic in the long list of unresolved human rights violations in Nigeria,? HURIWA said.

Looking ahead, HURIWA reiterated its commitment to advocating for justice and systemic reforms within the Nigerian military. The group emphasized that the Okuama reported massacre and the subsequent violations represent a failure of governance at multiple levels. ?The President, the Defense Headquarters, and the new COAS must all take responsibility for ensuring that such incidents are never repeated,? the group concluded.

?President-General of Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Pa James Oghoroko

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