UPU AMERICA CONDEMNS ALLEGED VIOLENCE, DESTRUCTION IN OKUAMA COMMUNITY BY SOLDIERS

Urhobo Progress Union of America has  condemned in strong terms, the devastating acts of violence and destruction that have unfolded in Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria.

A statement signed by the President UPU America Olorogun Prince (Dr.) Abel Dafiaghor and Director of Publicity, Mrs. Helen Irede-Mulbah says the tragic narrative of the Nigerian military's involvement in the killing and demolition of property in this community not only raises profound concerns but also calls into question the fundamental role and responsibilities of a nation's armed forces.

According to the UPU America,

the incidents in Okuama, which resulted in the loss of innocent lives and the obliteration of properties, starkly contradict this mandate to protect lives and property. 

The UPU America articulates a pressing demand for an exhaustive and impartial investigation to uncover the truth behind these actions, to provide justice for the fallen soldiers, and to honor the memory of innocent victims caught in the crossfire.

It added that the recent turmoil in Okuama prompts a myriad of unanswered questions and underscores a critical need for accountability and transparency. 

It further says, among the pressing inquiries is the discernible delay in initiating dialogue between conflicting parties, the questionable involvement of military forces in civil disputes ostensibly aimed at restoring peace, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the discovery of victims' bodies in locations distant from the incident sites. 

It adds that such discrepancies fuel suspicions of a premeditated plot designed to incite unrest and destruction.

UPU America noted that the loss of lives on all fronts of this conflict is a tragedy of immense proportions, marking a somber period for the community and the nation at large. 

In this moment of collective mourning, the UPU America urges a unified approach to addressing the root causes of this strife, advocating for peace and the prevention of future calamities. 

It stressed that, the call for a thorough investigation is not merely a demand for justice for the deceased but a necessary step towards holding those responsible accountable for their actions.

It called for a comprehensive investigation which is essential not only for the dispensation of justice but also for implementing measures that will avert similar incidents in the future.

It highlighted areas of investigation to include the questions surrounding the delay in mediation efforts, the military's role in civil matters, and the circumstances leading to the victims' final resting places must be addressed.