Okuama Killings: Military Flies Wanted Traditional Ruler To Abuja

The military authorities has flown the embattled traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty, Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo to Abuja for interrogation.

Ikolo, who is the Ovie of Ewu-Urhobo in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State was declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in connection with the murder of 17 soldiers at Okuama in the state.

As one of the eight suspects identified in the killings, the monarch had surrendered himself to the Delta State Police Command in Asaba on Thursday, March 28, 2024 and was received by the Police Commissioner, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi.

In a swift reaction, the DHQ was notified about the development and the suspect was subsequently flown to Abuja on Friday morning for questioning.

Ikolo was said to have been escorted to Asaba Airport by the Commanding Officer, 63 Brigade Nigeria Army, Asaba; the Delta State Commissioner of Police and other senior military officers.

The Urhukpe 1 traditional ruler later boarded a commercial aircraft that departed Asaba Airport at about 9:10am to Abuja.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Edafe Bright confirmed the development.

He stated that the suspect has been handed over to the military authorities for further investigations.

“Yes, I can confirm to you that the wanted traditional ruler has been handed over to military authorities.

“He is no longer in our custody. The handover process was concluded this (Friday) morning, "he said.

News Rider reports that seven other suspects declared wanted by the DHQ include Akevwru Daniel Omotegbono aka Amangben, Prof. Ekpekpo Arthur, Andaowei Dennis Bakriri, Akata Malawa David, Sinclear Oliki, Reuben Baru, and a woman, Igoli Ebi.

The 17 personnel murdered in Okuama include the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion, Lt. Col. A.H Ali ; Maj S.D Shafa (N/13976); Maj D.E Obi (N/14395) and Capt U Zakari (N/16348).

Other soldiers are SSgt Yahaya Saidu (#3NA/36/2974); Cpl Yahaya Danbaba (1ONA/65/7274); Cpl Kabiru Bashir (11NA/66/9853); LCpl Bulus Haruna (16NA/TS/5844); LCpl Sola Opeyemi (17NA/760719); LCpl Bello Anas (17NA/76/290); LCpl Hamman Peter (NA/T82653); LCpl Ibrahim Abdullahi (18NA/77/1191); Pte Alhaji Isah (17NA/76/6079); Pte Clement Francis (19NA/78/0911); Pte Abubakar Ali (19NA/78/2162); Pte Ibrahim Adamu (19NA/78/6079) and Pte Adamu Ibrahim (21NA/80/4795).

They were laid to rest at a Military Cemetery in Karonmajiji, Abuja on Wednesday at a ceremony attended by President Bola Tinubu, Governors, Speaker of the House of Representatives, service chiefs and other dignitaries.

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