Okuama: Delta Monarch Surrenders Self To Police

Okuama: Delta Monarch Surrenders Self To Police

One of eight individuals wanted by Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in connection with the killing of 16 soldiers in Okuama on March 14, has turned himself in to the police.He presented himself at Delta State Police Headquarters in Asaba at 9:20 pm on Thursday. Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olufemi Abaniwonda, verified the news in a telephone conversation last night, stating, “Yes, I can confirm that the traditional ruler is in our custody. He surrendered himself to us at police headquarters in Asaba last night. We will hand him over to the military, which has declared him wanted.”

HRM Clement Ikolo, Urukpe 1, who allegedly assumed the throne amid controversy on November 16, 2023, was seventh on the list released by DHQ yesterday morning.

Okuama community, where the tragic incident occurred claiming the lives of 17 soldiers, including the Commanding Officer of 181 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. A. H. Ali, Major S.D. Shafa, Major D.E. Obi, and Captain U. Zakari, is one of 17 communities in Ewu Kingdom under the traditional jurisdiction of the wanted monarch.

During a biweekly update on military operations across the country in Abuja, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, emphasized that Nigeria must never allow such incidents to recur, highlighting the importance of the armed forces as agents of stability employing various measures to achieve desired outcomes.