

Tensions Escalate in Okpare-Olomu as Vigilante Shoots Protester Amid Military Intervention
Tensions in Okpare-Olomu town surged on Friday after women from the Okpare community staged a protest against a contentious military intervention that disrupted their annual general conference. The situation escalated into violence when a vigilante member, assigned to assist the military, allegedly shot and injured a young man.
The unrest in Okpare-Olomu town began on Thursday when Nigerian military personnel arrived in three Hilux vehicles around 7:30 AM. The soldiers took control of the community’s town hall, leading to the cancellation of the highly anticipated annual conference. Their intervention was reportedly prompted by a dispute over land sales within the community.
In reaction to this military action, more than a thousand women from Okpare gathered on Friday to protest in front of the palace of the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom. They condemned the military presence and expressed their support for community leader Okiemute Otaka. The protesters called for royal intervention to prevent further escalation and to maintain peace in the kingdom.
As tensions rose, John Ogedegbe, a local youth, was shot by a vigilante member assisting the military. He was quickly taken to a nearby hospital but later apprehended by police at the Ekpan station. In addition, eight other protesters, including youths and one woman, were arrested, despite their claims that the protest was peaceful.
Okiemute Otaka, who is reportedly hiding to avoid arrest, confirmed the events and condemned the military’s actions as unlawful. He highlighted the importance of the annual conference for leadership accountability and decision-making, stating, “There’s no legal basis for halting the conference.”
The Ughelli South Local Government Council, led by Chairman Lucky Avweromre, defended the military’s actions, stating that their presence was in response to a court order that temporarily halted the conference due to ongoing legal disputes. The council emphasized that the security forces were deployed to enforce this postponement and maintain order.
“The military did not invade Okpare; they were ensuring compliance with the order to delay the conference,” the council’s statement asserted, emphasizing their role in preventing any disturbances.
As tensions persist, both sides continue to reinforce their positions, raising concerns about the potential impact on the stability of Okpare-Olomu and the larger Olomu Kingdom.
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