SOLDIERS have arrested the President General of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom in Delta State, Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, who was declared wanted by the military over the gruesome killing of 17 officers and personnel in Okuama in Ughelli South Local Council.
Ekpekpo, a lecturer at the Delta State University, Abraka, and indigene of Okuama town in Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, who was declared wanted, along with others, over their alleged connection in the killing of the soldiers, was picked up on Sunday, August 18, in Sapele by men in military uniform.
The military had vowed to arrest the professor and others for their alleged roles in the murder of the 17 soldiers.
Other prominent chiefs of the kingdom and indigenes of Okuama arrested include the Secretary of the community, Mr. Dennis Okugbaye, and the Camp Commandant of the IDP Camp in Ewu town, Mr. Belivis Adogbo, as well as the President General of the community, Mr. James Oghoroko, who were also picked in the early hours of Monday, August 19, at different locations in the Ughelli and Udu areas of the state.
Armed men had in March attacked and killed the soldiers, including their commander and three others officers, while on “peace mission” over a land dispute between Okuama and Okoloba communities.
Following the incident, soldiers invaded and razed Okuama community in a reprisal attack, destroying hospital, schools and other private buildings in the agrarian community.
The military later declared the Ovie of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, HRH, Oghenerukevwe Clement Ikolo, Urhukpe 1; Ekpekpo and others wanted.
The monarch later turned surrendered to the Police, which handed him over to the military in the state. He was subsequent flown to Abuja and detained, only to regain his freedom some weeks later released by the Defence Headquarters.
The military was yet to confirm their arrests, while their whereabouts was unknown at press time.
