Okuama: Military Yet to Confirm Okugbaye’s Death -Delta Govt

The Delta State government has stated that it has not received official confirmation from the military regarding the death of 81-year-old Pa Dennis Okugbaye, Treasurer of Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area.

This comes after reports on December 10 indicated that Okugbaye had died in military detention, just days after the death of Okuama community President-General, Pa James Oghoroko, under similar circumstances. Okugbaye, along with several other community leaders, was arrested in August 2024 and had remained in military custody without trial.

Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, the state’s Commissioner for Information, responded to the reports stating that the military had not confirmed Okugbaye’s death.

“The military has not confirmed to the state government that any other person died after the first one, we don’t have confirmation as to the death of that person and we cannot start speculating now.” Osuoza said.

The government’s statement comes amid growing concerns and protests from the community over the deaths of the two leaders, both of whom were detained by the military without trial.

Okugbaye’s family confirmed his death on Tuesday, with his son, Pastor Akpos Okugbaye, stating that his father passed away after his health deteriorated. It was also reported that the family had sent over N401,000 for his medical treatment in the days before his death.