A Niger Delta sociopolitical group, the Urhobo Renaissance Society, has called on the Nigerian military to effect “the immediate and unconditional release” of certain leaders of the Okuama community who were arrested by the Army.

Specifically, the group demanded the release of “Professor Arthur Ekpekpo, a respected academic from Delta State University and President of the Ewu Community Development Union, along with others detained by the Nigerian Army.”

This call was made in a press release signed by the URS Secretary, Dr John Uwa, with copies made available to journalists in Warri on Sunday.

The appeal follows the arrest of these individuals by the Nigerian Army on August 18, 2024, in connection with the Okuama crisis in Delta State.

It Is recalled that Professor Ekpekpo and several other leaders of the Okuama community were declared wanted by the Nigerian Army after 17 soldiers, reportedly on a peace mission, were killed, and the Okuama community was subsequently destroyed by military personnel in a retaliatory operation.

In its statement, the URS condemned the Army’s actions in arresting and detaining the Okuama leaders, accusing the Army of “targeting imaginary enemies within Urhobo land.” (Sunday PUNCH)