By Francis Sadhere, Warri
In a bid to restore peace to the troubled Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State following the killing of 17 officers and soldiers, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, has expressed his earnest desire for reconciliation and harmony in the affected areas.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo, who represents Delta South in the Senate, revealed this during a press briefing in Warri, where he discussed the recent visit he and two other Delta State Senators, Ned Nwoko and Senate Ede Dafinone, made to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
He said that the primary purpose of their visit to the Defence Headquarters was to advocate for the release of the detained traditional ruler of Ewu-Urhobo kingdom, His Majesty, Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo, Urhukpe 1. The monarch was detained in connection with the tragic deaths in Okuama community.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo, known for his administrative prowess and financial expertise, emphasized that their discussions with the CDS also focused on strategies to facilitate the return of community members who had fled in fear following the incident.
He expressed deep sadness over the loss of the soldiers in Okuama community, acknowledging that the tragedy had severely disrupted the peace and stability in the area and the state at large.
“W are all worried, Deltans and Nigerians are worried over the development in Okuama and environs. We have condemned, sympathized and expressed concerns. We have also condoled with the military and families of those that died as a result of the unfortunate incident.”
” It is time to make peace and it must be holistic. Whatever that will bring about permanent peace in the community, Delta State and Nigeria in general is what we stand for. It is my desire to see that peace returns to the troubled area as soon as possible. I wish to use this medium to appeal to all those involved in the peace process to expedite action to see that peace is restored.”
” One thing we must known is that no community, state or nation progresses in crisis situation. Therefore we must all embrace peace to enthrone development in our communities.”
” I wish to also use this medium to express appreciation to my colleagues in the senate from Delta State Senator Ned Nwoko, Delta North and Senator Ede Dafinone, Delta Central for the understanding and love they have demonstrated. Peace and development does not discriminate. We must ensure we continue to work for the overall interest of our people in spite of our political divide.”
While calling for calm and the release of the detained monarch, he restated the importance of avoiding all forms of crisis that may lead to the killing of security officers in the state, saying that no society thrives under crisis situation.
It would be recalled that the detained monarch was among the eight persons declared wanted by the military authorities for their alleged involvement in the March 14 tragic incident at Okuama, Ughelli South Local Government Area.
The monarch had surrendered himself to the police in Delta state before he was transferred to the military, where he has been detained after being declared wanted.
The Senator’s efforts underscore a concerted push for reconciliation and healing in the wake of the violent events that have shaken Okuama Community and its environs. With a commitment to fostering dialogue and resolving conflicts, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas aims to pave the way for a peaceful and secure environment for all residents affected by the recent turmoil.
