Clement Ikolo Oghenerukvwe, the traditional ruler of the Ewu kingdom, who surrendered himself in connection to the killings of 17 military officers in Okuoma, Delta State, has been released by the Nigerian Army.
In a brief ceremony at the Nigerian Army Headquarters in Abuja, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, handed over Oghenerukvwe to Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central.
General Nwachukwu stated that the Army, after careful review of available information, has not conclusively established culpability against the traditional ruler. However, he emphasized the need for ongoing investigations, as insufficient evidence exists to exonerate any individual at this stage.
Acknowledging the intervention of eminent personalities and Oghenerukvwe’s voluntary surrender, the Army released him under the condition that he would cooperate with the ongoing investigations.
While urging other suspects to come forward for questioning, the Army emphasized its commitment to unraveling the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
The monarch surrendered himself to authorities after the Defence Headquarters declared him and seven others wanted for their alleged involvement in the killing of 17 military personnel in March.
The slain soldiers, including commanding officers, majors, a captain, and soldiers from the 181 Amphibious Battalion, were ambushed during a response to a distress call amid communal clashes in Okuama community.
Their mutilated bodies were later recovered from nearby rivers, prompting national mourning and a call for justice.
President Bola Tinubu attended their burial at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja on March 27, underscoring the gravity of the incident.