Dafinone Urges Release of Okuama Leaders, Promises Better Roads

The Senator representing Delta Central in the 10th Senate, Senator Ede Dafinone, has assured the Urhobo people that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of Ewu-Okuama community leaders who have been in military custody for almost a year without formal charges.

Speaking as a guest on a programme on Crown FM Effurun, monitored by our correspondent Fredrick Umuerure, Senator Dafinone disclosed that his office, alongside key Urhobo stakeholders, is actively engaging with the military high command to address the matter. He noted that prominent Urhobo voices have repeatedly called for the unconditional release of the detained leaders or, alternatively, for them to be charged and tried in a court of competent jurisdiction.

It would be recalled that between August 18 and 20, 2024, the military arrested several Okuama leaders, including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Mr. Julius Oghoroko, Mr. Bernard Esegba, the President General of Okuama Community, Pa James Oghoroko, Treasurer Pa Dennis Okugbaye, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria, and Mrs. Rita Akata. Their arrests were linked to alleged involvement in the killing of 17 soldiers said to have been on a peace mission to the Okuama community.

Senator Dafinone expressed concern over the prolonged detention of the community leaders without charges, describing it as a matter of justice and human rights. “Almost one year has passed, and these individuals have neither been charged nor released. We are committed to seeing this issue resolved,” he said.

The Delta Central lawmaker also used the opportunity to update constituents on ongoing infrastructure efforts. He revealed that his office, in collaboration with Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and other national legislators from the district, has been engaging the Minister of Works to expedite repairs on the Benin–Sapele–Effurun Highway. According to him, work has already commenced on some sections, particularly from Koko Junction to the Effurun Roundabout.

Senator Dafinone stressed that improved road infrastructure is vital for economic activities in Delta State, adding that the repairs would ease traffic, reduce accidents, and boost trade.

He urged the people of Delta Central to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori’s Renewed Hope and MORE Agenda, saying that Delta State’s alignment with national politics would attract greater federal attention and development projects in the coming years.