Defence chief Christopher Musa has ordered a thorough investigation into the alleged deaths of two Okuama community leaders while in army custody.

Defence spokesman Tukur Gusau disclosed this at the end-of-year briefing by the Strategic Communications Interagency Committee, Office of the National Security Adviser, on Monday in Abuja.

The deceased leaders were James Oghoroko, the president-general of the Okuama community, and Denis Okugbaye, the community’s treasurer.

It was reported that the duo died six days apart while being detained by the military.

The duo and four others, Arthur Ekpekpo, Belvis Adogbo, Mabel Owhemu, and Dennis Malaka, were apprehended in August.

They had been detained in connection with the killing of 17 military personnel in the community on March 14 during a peace mission aimed at resolving a dispute between the Okuama and Okoloba communities.

Responding to questions, Mr Gusau said the defence chief had directed the 6 Division Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations and submit its report on Monday.

“Regarding allegations of deaths in detention over the weekend, headlines surfaced suggesting that individuals detained in connection with the Okuama incident had died.

“Immediately, the CDS directed an investigation to be conducted by the 6 Division any moment from now. We expect the findings on whether the claims are true or not. For now, these remain allegations.

“We are committed to uncovering the truth, and by tomorrow, we will have more details,” he said. 

(NAN)