Delta Bloodbath: Wanted Monarch Surrenders Self To Police

The traditional ruler of Ewu-Urhobo kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, HRM Clement Ikolo, Urukpe 1, who is among eight persons declared wanted by Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in connection with the killing of 16 soldiers in Okuama on March 14, has surrendered himself to the police.

It was gathered that the Monarch surrendered himself at Delta State Police Headquarters in Asaba at 9:20pm on Thursday.

Confirming the development, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Mr. Olufemi Abaniwonda, said: “Yes, I can confirm to you that the traditional ruler is with us. He surrendered himself to us at police headquarters in Asaba this (Thursday) night. We are going to hand him over to the military, which declared him wanted.”

Osun Defender recalls that on March 14, 2024, officers and soldiers of the 181 Amphibious Battalion were killed by some irate youths during a peacekeeping mission in the Okuama community.

The Defence Headquarters, on Thursday, declared eight persons wanted over their roles in the recent killing.

The persons declared wanted are Prof. Ekpekpo Arthur, Andaowei Dennis Bakriri, Akevwru Daniel Omotegbo (a.k.a Amagben), Akata Malawa David, Sinclear Oliki, Clement Ikolo Oghenerukeywe, Reuben Baru and Igoli Ebi.

The monarch, who had earlier spoken in a viral video from his hiding place, said he had no hand in the killings.

He said, “To my greatest surprise, I saw my name on the list of wanted persons in connection with the crime.

“Let me state here clearly that I have not been able to access my kingdom to date.  I have no hands in the killings. This is a serious crime against humanity, and it is against my faith as a Catholic.

“I have no in any way connected to it. I got my staff of office on November 16, 2023, and it was very turbulent, and the government knows it, so I’m shocked that the government is taken aback.”

The monarch urged the authorities to do a thorough investigation to know those involved in the act and bring them to book.