Okuama Community Warns of Election Boycott Over Detained Leaders

Residents of Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State have threatened to boycott future elections if their detained leaders are not released.

The warning was issued during a protest on Wednesday, where community members called on political authorities, including the President and the Delta State Governor, to intervene in what they say is the prolonged detention of their leaders.

Chairman of the community, Mr. Vote Johnwalker, said the action follows what the community considers continued marginalisation and the failure to bring the detained leaders to trial nearly two years after their arrest by the military following the destruction of the community. He maintained that in a law-abiding society, suspects should be formally charged and given the opportunity to defend themselves in court.

Johnwalker also alleged that some detainees have suffered serious hardship in custody, citing the death of James Achovwuko Oghoroko and the illness of Pa Dennis Okugbaye, who was later released. He insisted that several others remain in detention and warned that Okuama residents would stay away from any electoral process until their leaders regain freedom and justice is served.