GELEGELE COMMUNITY: HON. OGIDIGBA EBIERIN CONDEMNS ALLEGED ASSAULT ON IJAW LEADERS AT EDO HIGH COURT, CALLS FOR ACTION AHEAD OF OCTOBER 28 SITTIN
PINAIBA BOLOUERE FIRSTLADY
Reporter, GlobalEgberi Media International Ltd
GELEGELEGBENE COMMUNITY EDO STATE_The National Chairman of Gbeoba Community, Hon. Ogidigba Ebierin, has strongly condemned the alleged violent assault on Ijaw indigenes, community leaders and their legal representatives at the premises of the Edo State High Court in Benin City.
Hon. Ogidigba, while addressing journalists, expressed deep concern over the reported incident, describing it as unacceptable and warning that violence or intimidation must not be allowed to interfere with the judicial process or peaceful relations among communities in Edo State.
Speaking to GlobalEgberi Media International Ltd, Hon. Ogidigba said the reported incident should be treated as a serious matter because of its potential implications for the rule of law, public confidence in the judiciary and peaceful coexistence among neighbouring communities.
«“It is deeply agonising and unacceptable that our leaders, elders and legal practitioners, who went to the temple of justice to settle a land dispute peacefully, were allegedly met with weapons, physical violence and harassment right inside the court premises.”»
OGIDIGBA CALLS FOR CCTV FOOTAGE TO BE REVIEWED
Hon. Ogidigba called for the CCTV cameras installed within the court premises to be preserved and properly reviewed to establish what transpired during the alleged incident.
He appealed to the Edo State Government and relevant security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5, and the Edo State Police Command, to conduct a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation.
He urged the authorities to identify anyone found to have participated in the alleged violence and ensure that appropriate legal action is taken in accordance with the law.
«“We are a peace-loving people, and our decision to take the legal route demonstrates our commitment to order and civility. But our peace must not be mistaken for weakness.”»
«“We are calling directly on the Edo State Government and the security authorities to act. The CCTV footage should be preserved and properly examined, and anyone found responsible should face the law.”»
ADEQUATE SECURITY URGED FOR OCTOBER 28 COURT SITTING
The Gbeoba Community chairman also drew attention to the next scheduled court sitting on October 28, 2026, stressing the need for adequate security before, during and after the proceedings.
He appealed to the Edo State Government, security agencies, court authorities, community leaders and all parties connected to the dispute to ensure that the forthcoming sitting takes place in a peaceful and secure environment.
«“Everyone who comes to court has the right to appear without fear. The court must remain a place where people seek justice, not a place where people are threatened or attacked.”»
“THE FIVE KINGDOMS ARE NOT TENANTS TO THE BINI”
Hon. Ogidigba further reiterated the position that the five kingdoms and communities involved have their own historical identities and longstanding connections to their ancestral lands.
He maintained that the ongoing disagreement should not be turned into an ethnic confrontation, stressing that historical and land-related questions should be addressed through lawful processes, dialogue and the courts.
He also warned against the use of youths or organised groups to intimidate opposing parties, particularly when a matter is already before a court of law.
CALL FOR GOVERNMENT ACTION
The Gbeoba Community chairman called on the Edo State Government to take the reported incident seriously and demonstrate its commitment to protecting every citizen and community regardless of ethnic background.
He warned that failure to properly address allegations of violence and intimidation could create unnecessary tension between neighbouring communities.
Hon. Ogidigba appealed for restraint from all sides but stressed that peaceful coexistence must be accompanied by justice, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
He urged the authorities to ensure adequate security for the October 28, 2026 court sitting and called on all parties to allow the judicial process to take its course.
«“We want peace, but peace must be supported by justice. We want dialogue, but dialogue must take place without intimidation. The people of Gelegele and the wider Ijaw community will continue to pursue lawful means to protect their interests.”»
«“We are calling on the Edo State Government to act decisively. What happened is not acceptable, and we must ensure that nothing similar happens again.”»
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