Tensions escalated in Okpare-Olomu town on Friday following a protest by women from the Okpare community over a controversial military intervention that disrupted their annual general conference. The protest turned violent when a vigilante member, deployed to support military personnel, reportedly shot and injured a youth.
The unrest began on Thursday when Nigerian military personnel arrived in the community in three Hilux vehicles at approximately 7:30 AM. The soldiers reportedly took control of the community’s town hall, forcing the cancellation of the much-anticipated conference. The military’s actions were allegedly aimed at halting the event due to an ongoing dispute over land sales within the community.
In response to the military's intervention, over a thousand women from Okpare gathered on Friday to protest in front of the palace of the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom. The demonstrators voiced their condemnation of the military presence and expressed support for the leadership of Okiemute Otaka, president of the Okpare-Olomu community. They called for royal intervention to prevent further escalation and preserve peace in the kingdom.
As the protest grew heated, it was reported that John Ogedegbe, a youth from the community, was shot by a vigilante member assigned to assist the military. Ogedegbe was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later apprehended by the Ekpan police station. In a follow-up, police arrested eight additional protesters, including youths and a woman. Those detained were accused of participating in the protest, which they maintained was peaceful in nature.
Okiemute Otaka, who is reportedly in hiding to avoid arrest, confirmed the incident, labeling the use of security forces to prevent the conference as unlawful. He expressed concern over the increasing militarization of the community, emphasizing the significance of the annual conference as a forum for leadership accountability and decision-making. “There’s no legal basis for halting the conference,” Otaka stated.
The Ughelli South Local Government Council, led by Chairman Lucky Avweromre, defended the actions of the military and other security agencies. A statement issued by the local government clarified that the military’s presence was in response to a court order that temporarily halted the community's conference due to ongoing legal proceedings. According to the council, the deployment of security forces was meant to enforce the postponement of the event and prevent any disturbances.
“The military did not invade Okpare; they were ensuring compliance with the order to delay the conference,” the statement read. “The security agencies were present to ensure peace and prevent any defiance of the court’s decision.”
The situation remains tense as both sides continue to assert their positions, with concerns over the potential impact on the stability of Okpare-Olomu and Olomu Kingdom at large.
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