Fresh violence as troops exit Okuama

One person has reportedly died with three others seriously injured in a fresh crisis in Okuama, troubled Delta community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state, barely 48 hours after soldiers pulled out from the community.

Okuama, an Urhobo enclave in Ughelli South LGA and Okoloba community, an Ijaw area in Bomadi LGA of Delta State, have been at loggerheads over a piece of land.

Recall that soldiers purportedly on a peace mission were gruesomely killed near Okuama on March 14, 2024, prompting the military to lay siege to the community.

Meanwhile, the military withdrew its men on Tuesday after Governor Sheriff Oborevwori promised displaced Okuama indigenes safe return to their homes.

But Thursday morning, fresh violence ensued as indigenes of Okuama returned to their homes.

“They (the victims) were on their way to Ezebiri community along a bush path linking various communities when they were attacked.

“One of them, who escaped with machete cuts, narrated that they were attacked by the Okuama returnees at gunpoint while on their way to Ezebiri. Others were led towards the jetty at the community waterfront. A victim is in a critical condition at a hospital,” a source said.

A native of another neighbouring community confirmed the attack.

He said: “Yes, they (soldiers) pulled out of Okuama Tuesday around 5 to 6 pm. A soldier said that they received a signal from above to leave the community immediately.

“On the crisis between Akugbene and Okuama returnees, those youths went to Okuama to loot upon hearing that soldiers had left the community.

“Armed youths of Okuama accosted and shot at them and some were said to have been macheted.

“Two of those Akugbene youths escaped unhurt and we’ve already sent them back to their community.

“One of the two victims, who escaped back to the community after the attack, is dead.”

There was comment from the military of the state government.