The Nigerian army has revealed how the names of the traditional ruler of Ewu kingdom, HRM Clement Ikolo, the university professor, Arthur Ekpokpo, and six others found their way into the list of wanted persons by the army over the killing of 17 soldiers around Okuama, a community in Ughelli south local government area of Delta state.
In a media chat with journalists after the Nigeria Army-Civil Military Cooperation event held in Asaba on Wednesday, the military authorities addressed media executives present on several issues, bothering on Okuama
Few days after the unfortunate incident, eight suspects were declared wanted by defense headquarters. One of which is Clement Ikolo, the traditional ruler of Ewu kingdom and one Professor Arthur Ekpekpo, a university lecturer. Prior to the meeting with the soldiers in Asaba, many had demanded to know how the military arrived at these names
Specifically, a human rights activist, Prince Dr. Kehinde Taiga, had demanded the army to reveal to Nigerians how they came about the names of the eight persons with special emphasis on the traditional ruler and the university professor. He said it is incumbent on the Nigerian army to make public their findings and also let Nigerians know how the names emerged.
Responding, Major General Nosakhare Ugbo, chief of civil military affairs of the Nigerian Army told journalists that the names emerged through investigation.
When asked to explain how they got the names, he said: “How we came by the names of the eight persons declared wanted. Tomorrow we may see other names. There are investigations ongoing. As investigations unfold, new facts will emerge and new people might be called for questioning.”
According to him, the names of the eight persons emerged through investigations conducted by the army, though he did not reveal other details.
He also gave reasons why people are being prevented from entering the community. He told journalists that Okuama is presently a crime scene and until investigations are completed, no one will be allowed into the community. His reason is to avoid interference with ongoing investigations.
Okuama 17: Military Reveal How Names Of Ewu Monarch 7 Others Emerged
