A document seen by Newsleverage reveals that the Okuama Ewu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State reported an attack by the Okoloba Community in Bomadi LGA to the Delta State government and the Nigeria Police.
In the letter dated 2nd February, 2024, the community accused one Patrick Akpobenekeme of instigating war ans crisis between both communities which led to the death of Okiemute Agbabulaka, Messrs Igho Meshack and Power Awusa and so many injured.
In a similar letter to the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, it accused Patrick and his group of the attempted murder of one Kennedy Israel, the kidnapping and torture of Naira Oseveta, Helen Godwin, Baby Obiodekporo, Victor Aphiayerhe, Baby Edafe and Kingsley Gentle.
It demanded justice and a thorough investigation into the dispute which has led to several Death in the community.
During an interview with a Newsnet Nigeria Correspondent, Onajite Idiaphoro, an Okuama community indigene, reported that a group of men arrived with a Tantita gunboat and set fire to all the houses in the community.
He alleged, “We were holding regular Community meeting on Thursday when some men in Army uniforms and carried by Tantita Gun boat invaded the meeting demanding to see our community chairman.
“As soon as our chairman was identified, the men said that they were taking him to Bomadi for questioning but the community women resisted the approach because Okuama is under Ughelli South Local Government Area and the chairman did not commit any crime neither the community that demands military invasion.
“The men started shooting killing two persons instantly and injuring many persons before driving away.”
Mr Idiaphoro said that after the first shooting, residents of the community, especially the men started moving out fearing the worst could happen later.
“Four hours later, the men came back with many gunboats, shooting sporadically into the community and killing many persons including women and children before burning houses,” he lamented.
“How our people who are mere fishermen and potato farmers have guns to fight, talk less of killing a whole 15 Army officers as wrongly reported? He queried in a weak tone.
At this point, he burst into tears saying, “Okuama community has been at the receiving end of the crisis with Okoloba as former NIMASA boss, Patrick backed by former Militant leader, Tompolo have boys to k*ill us”.
