Professor Sunny Ahwefeada, a member of the World Council of Urhobo Professors, has expressed concern over the Nigerian military’s failure to identify and prosecute those responsible for the brutal killing of 17 military personnel in Okuama, Delta State, more than a year after the tragic incident.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Friday, Ahwefeada described the lack of progress in the investigation as puzzling and disheartening. He criticized the intelligence community for its inability to make any significant breakthroughs in the case.
“We are all confused that after one year, the intelligence community has not been able to make any headway in identifying the real perpetrators of this and bringing them to book. It is quite unfortunate,” Ahwefeada stated.
The attack, which occurred on March 14, 2024, claimed the lives of 17 military personnel, including the Commanding Officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, two majors, a captain, and 12 soldiers.
Following the incident, the military imposed control over the riverine community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, forcing many residents to flee into the creeks and surrounding areas. The slain officers were subsequently buried at the Military Cemetery in Abuja.
Ahwefeada emphasized that identifying those responsible for the killings would be essential in achieving justice for the families of the deceased and restoring peace to the affected community.
“We are waiting and hopeful that someday the intelligence community will be able to do the needful so that we can actually know those behind that heinous crime,” he added.
He also voiced concerns about the continued detention of community leaders arrested in connection with the incident. According to Ahwefeada, an 80-year-old man among the detained individuals died in military custody, raising further questions about their treatment.
“These people that were arrested, even if they are considered suspects, should be handed over to the police and be charged to court. As far as we are concerned, as long as they have not been convicted, they are still innocent, and we feel that they have been held for too long,” he stated.
Ahwefeada revealed that the detained individuals had been in custody since August 2024 without trial or official charges.
“They were arrested between 18th and 20th of August; this is March, more than half a year since they were incarcerated. One of them has already died in military detention. These people should be released,” he appealed.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts in setting up IDP camps for displaced residents, Ahwefeada criticized the military’s internal investigative panel, arguing that it could not impartially investigate its own actions.
He called for the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry to thoroughly investigate the killings and ensure justice is served.
“We need a neutral body to investigate this matter comprehensively. This will help in bringing closure to the affected families and the Okuama community,” Ahwefeada concluded.
