Dr. Lucky Avweromre, Chairman of Ughelli South Local Government Area in Delta State, has refuted claims of a military invasion in the Okpare-Olomu community.
In a statement on Sunday, he clarified that the military presence reported three days earlier was part of a routine patrol and not an attack as some media outlets suggested.
Tensions arose in Ughelli South after the deployment of soldiers to the area. Residents were reminded of the March 2024 incident in Okuama, where 17 soldiers were killed during a peace mission, leading to a harsh military response.
That operation displaced many locals, who are still in an internally displaced persons camp.
In this case, the military’s involvement stemmed from efforts to ensure peace during a community conference in Okpare-Olomu.
According to the council’s statement, the chairman requested postponement of the meeting to address ongoing disputes. The directive, communicated to the community leaders and security agencies, aimed to prevent violence.
Youth leader Andrew Okpogbodu explained that tensions escalated when some individuals attempted to disrupt the peace.
He accused the community President-General, Okiemute Otoka, of mobilizing youths to resist the council’s directive. A vigilante member was injured, and a police officer’s rifle was briefly seized but later recovered.
In contrast, Otoka claimed the unrest stemmed from disputes over illegal land sales. He insisted on holding the conference despite the council’s request for postponement, stating, “The council’s letter was a request, not an order.”
