The National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, Chief Sheriff Mulade, has commended the Nigerian Army for releasing the Ovie of Ewu Kingdom in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty Clement Ikolo Oghenerukvwe.

Recall that the Ovie of Ewu Kingdom had been taken into custody by the Nigerian Army after the revered monarch turned himself in to security agency hours after the Defence Headquarters declared him and seven other persons wanted over their alleged roles in the recent killing of 17 military personnel on a peace-keeping mission in Okuama community in March.

Speaking on the release of the monarch, Chief Mulade, who is the Ibe- Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in the Warri South-West L.G.A, said the military by its recent action has demonstrated professionalism and respect fot the traditional institution.

"It is imperative to note that the good and peace loving people of Ewu Kingdom were thrown into confusion and devastating situation over the detention of their monarch, who personally turned himself in following his wanted declaration by the Nigerian military command, over killing of 17 military officers in his kingdom.

"The military has shown professionalism and respect for traditional institution, saddled with the responsibility of promoting cultural and traditional heritage, sustainable security in their domain to compliment government security efforts."

Speaking further, the renowned peace and environmental rights activist, urged the people of Okuama and Ewu kingdom to embrace peace with their neighbours and work with the military high command to fish-out the perpetrators of that heinous and barbaric killing of the 17 military officers to exonerate the people of their alleged complicity.

"I want to commend and appreciate Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR; the Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori; political office-holders across the divide, and traditional rulers who intervened in managing the situation and the eventual release of the Ovie of Ewu kingdom.

"I equally call on all Nigerians to support and appreciate our security agencies to enable them deliver on their national assignment of providing and safeguarding our dear nation, as it is worthy of note that security is a collective responsibility of all citizens, for a better Nation," he added.

On March 14, military personnel numbering 17—comprising of the Commanding Officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain, and 13 soldiers of the battalion—were gruesomely murdered in Okuama community in Ughelli South L.G.A of Delta State.

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