In a bid to restore peace in the troubled Okuama community and other affected areas following the tragic killing of 17 officers and soldiers in Delta state, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, has shared the motivations behind his involvement in seeking the release of His Royal Majesty Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo, Urhukpe 1, the Ovie of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom.
The release of the detained monarch by the Nigerian Defence Headquarters was a positive step towards easing tensions in the region.
During a press briefing in Warri, Senator Joel-Onowakpo, alongside Senators Ned Nwoko and Ede Dafinone from Delta state, revealed that their recent visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja was aimed at appealing for the monarch’s release and addressing issues related to restoring peace in the community.
Expressing concern over the tragic events in Okuama, Senator Joel-Onowakpo emphasized the urgent need for stakeholders to collaborate towards reinstating peace in the affected areas. He highlighted the detrimental effects of ongoing conflicts on social development, stressing the importance of unity and peacebuilding efforts.
He commended his fellow senators for their support and unity in advocating for peace and development, transcending political divides for the greater good of the state and its people.
In a plea for calm and the prompt release of the detained monarch, Senator Joel-Onowakpo reiterated the imperative of avoiding further crises that could endanger security personnel and hinder progress in the region.
The monarch, previously a wanted figure in connection to the March 14 incident in Okuama, voluntarily surrendered to the police before being transferred to military custody where he was detained.