After soldiers withdrew from Okuama, violence quickly returned, with one dead and three critically injured. Residents, eager to reclaim their ruined homes, faced reprisal attacks, shattering hopes for peace. The abrupt departure of military forces leaves the community vulnerable, reigniting longstanding tensions and ethnic disputes
Within a mere two days of the soldiers' withdrawal from the Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, a fresh about of violence erupted, leaving one feared dead and three fatally injured. Indigenes returning to their devastated homes faced reprisal attacks, allegedly instigated by those accusing them of looting the ruins.
A former Akugbene chairman revealed that soldiers' sudden departure on Tuesday prompted Okuama residents to return swiftly. However, within hours, three Akugbene natives were ambushed and machete-attacked while journeying to Ezebiri. One survivor recounted a harrowing ordeal, escaping machete-wielding assailants, as others were led towards the waterfront.
Photos of the gruesome attacks inundated our reporters. Another source confirmed soldiers' departure on Tuesday evening, while Akugbene youths, allegedly looting, faced Okuama's armed reprisals. Sadly, one escapee succumbed to injuries.
In response, Okoloba's chairman vowed peace, despite the Okuama-Urhobo dispute over land. This resurgence of violence follows a 51-day military siege, sparked by soldiers' killings in March. Their abrupt exit on May 7th left Okuama vulnerable once more.
As Okuama and neighboring communities navigate this dangerous cycle of violence, the region remains fraught with tension, exacerbating long-standing grievances over land and ethnicity.
