By Austin Ogwuda
Whilst the people of Okuama community are marching the streets over the purported death of Pa James Oghoroko, the President-General of the community, the Urhobo Media Practitioners and Advocacy Group has called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
This was contained in a Press Release signed by Mr. Okpare Theophilus Onojeghen; Chief Omafume Amurun and Comrade Shedrack Onitsha on behalf of Urhobo Media Practitioners and Advocacy Group.
It reads in full:
“We strongly condemn the actions of the Nigerian military, which led to the untimely death of Pa Oghhoroko. This incident is a gross violation of human rights and an affront to the dignity of the people of Okuama Community.
“We demand a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Pa Oghoroko’s death and call for those responsible to be held accountable. We also urge the Nigerian government to address the underlying issues that led to the conflict in Okuama Community and work towards finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
“Furthermore, we call on international human rights bodies, including the United Nations, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, to take notice of the human rights abuse in Okuama town in Ewu Kingdom and condemnation of the actions of the Nigerian military and government. We urge these human rights bodies to call on the Nigerian government to respect the human rights of the people of Okuama Community and to ensure that those responsible for Pa Oghoroko’s death are held accountable.
“We also demand for the immediate release of other Okuama leaders, including Professor Arthur Ekpekpor, who are being held in various military detention without investigation and trial. This is arbitrary use of powers, which in any case, runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian constitution.
“We further demand that if there is an allegation against the detained Okuama leaders, they should be charged to a court of competent jurisdiction inline with the the constitution of Nigeria”.
“As a body of media practitioners”, it went on, “we’ll continue to condemn the gruesome and unjustified killing of the 17 military personnel. While we console with the grieving families, we demand for an unbiased and holistic probe into the tragic incident.
“We extend our condolences to the family of Pa Oghoroko, the people of Okuama Community, and the entire Ewu Kingdom. May Pa Oghoroko’s death not be in vain, and may it serve as a catalyst for change and justice in Nigeria.
Signed:
Mr. Okpare Theophilus Onojeghen
Chief Omafume Amurun
Comrade Shedrack Onitsha
For:
Urhobo Media Practitioners and Advocacy Group
