On Sunday night, military personnel apprehended Prof Arthur Ekpekpo, the President General of Ewu Kingdom, along with two other Okuama community leaders in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Ekpekpo was one of the individuals listed as wanted by the military authorities in connection with the Okuama crisis.
The incident stems from the tragic killing of 17 soldiers on a peace mission to the Okuama community on March 14, 2024.
In the aftermath of the attack, the military launched an operation in the community, prompting residents to seek refuge in nearby areas and waterways.
NewsNow sources reported that Ekpekpo, who was wanted for his alleged involvement in the soldiers’ killing, was captured in Sapele on Sunday night, while information about his current location remains undisclosed.
Additionally, Chief Belvis Adogbo and Dennis Akugbaye were also taken into custody on Monday morning by unidentified armed individuals at different locations in Ughelli.
Speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, a community leader in Warri informed journalists that these arrests are likely linked to the tragic events of March 14.
One of the Okuama leaders expressed confusion over the apprehensions by individuals suspected to be DSS operatives.
As of the latest update, the whereabouts of the detainees are unknown, and security sources have not issued any official statements regarding the situation.
When approached, a senior police officer informed reporters that they were not briefed on the developments.