The Nigerian Army has revoked the previous declaration of Clement Ikolo, the traditional ruler, as a wanted individual and has subsequently released him.
Ikolo had been apprehended under suspicion of involvement in the tragic killing of 17 soldiers in Delta State on March 14, 2024.
Initially marked as a fugitive by the Defence Headquarters, along with seven others implicated in the incident, Ikolo’s status has now shifted following his release.
Senator Ede Dafianone acted as his guarantor in the release process, which took place at the Army Headquarters. Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, oversaw the brief moment of Ikolo’s release.
Senator Thomas Joel Onowakpo, during a meeting with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Gwabin Musa in Abuja, made an appeal for the release of a detained traditional ruler.
The monarch was one of eight individuals wanted by military authorities following their alleged involvement in the tragic events of March 14 at Okuama, Ughelli South Local Government Area. Having surrendered to security authorities in Delta State, the monarch was subsequently handed over to military custody in Abuja.
Expressing concern over the prolonged detention, several senators joined in appealing for the release of the traditional ruler, citing the risk of escalating tensions within Delta if he remains detained.
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Senator Nwoko, leading the delegation, emphasized the need for calm and cooperation in addressing the underlying issues behind the Okuama tragedy. The delegation also discussed other pressing matters, including the discovery of an illegal arms factory in Onicha-Olona community, Aniocha North Local Government Area.
Senator Nwoko stressed the importance of further support and attention to the issues highlighted by the discovery of the arms factory.
He pointed out the necessity of nurturing indigenous technologists and boosting the technology sector, as well as advocating for the construction of new headquarters for the 63 Brigade in Delta State.
In response to the Okuama tragedy, the military not only occupied the community to recover missing weapons but also established a panel of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing of officers and soldiers allegedly by some irate youths of the Okuama community.
