Conflict Prevent Council Urges Ceasefire and Independent Inquiry into Military Killings in Delta State
WARRI/Nigeria: The Conflict Prevent Council (CPC), a coalition of community institutions, religious leaders, and traditional infrastructure, has called on the Nigerian military and the Federal Government to establish a ceasefire and set up an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the killing of military personnel and subsequent retaliatory violence in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, South-South Nigeria.
The CPC expressed concern over the use of excessive force by the military, leading to the killing and maiming of civilians in an attempt to cover up institutional misdeeds.
In a statement released on Monday and jointly signed by the Chairman, Dr. Agboro Andrew, and the Director of Communications and Strategy, Sunday Onyewonsa, the CPC condemned the brutal killing of military personnel during a clash with locals last week. The incident occurred when the military claimed to be on a peace mission in Okuama village. The CPC emphasized the need to caution the military against using maximum force to avoid further violations of human rights and loss of innocent lives.
The CPC expressed deep regret over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the deceased officers and the civilian population, particularly women and children affected by the violence. Dr. Agboro stated that the CPC is willing to deploy its peacebuilding efforts to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation between the warring communities. He emphasized that the organization’s goal is to prevent conflicts and promote peace, unity, and good neighborliness in Nigeria.
The CPC also highlighted the importance of early intervention in conflict prevention, citing several warnings signs shared with the Delta State Government regarding the Okoloba/Okuama crisis. The organization stressed that timely action by the state government could have prevented the escalation of violence.
The Conflict Prevent Council was inaugurated by the Foundation for Partnership Initiative for the Niger Delta (PIND) to promote a peaceful environment for the socio-economic and political development of the Niger Delta region.
