Okuama: Monarch Expresses Shock at Wanted List, Exonerates Self

After the declaration of some persons wanted for the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama Community by the Defence Headquarters on Thursday, the traditional ruler of the Ewu kingdom, Clement Ikolo, has expressed shock at making the list.

Recall that DH declared eight persons wanted in Connection to the killing of officers and soldiers of the 181 Amphibious Battalion on March 14, 2024 who were on a ‘peacekeeping mission’.

The persons declared wanted are Prof. Ekpekpo Arthur, Andaowei Dennis Bakriri, Akevwru Daniel Omotegbo (a.k.a Amagben), Akata Malawa David, Sinclear Oliki, Clement Ikolo Oghenerukeywe, Reuben Baru and Igoli Ebi.

The monarch who urged the authorities to do a proper investigation into the murder stated clearly in a viral video that he had no hand in the killing and expressed that such was against his Catholic faith.

He said, “To my greatest surprise, I saw my name on the list of wanted persons in connection with the crime.

“Let me state here clearly that I have not been able to access my kingdom to date. I have no hands in the killings. This is a serious crime against humanity, and it is against my faith as a Catholic.

“I have not in any way connected to it. I got my staff of office on November 16, 2023, and it was very turbulent, and the government knows it, so I’m shocked that the government is taken aback.”

President Bola Tinubu who was on ground during the burial of the officers charged the security agencies to bring the culprits to book.