Ijaw Group Urges Edo Governor Okpebholo to Investigate Alleged Court Attack
Soron Ibe-Ijaw Kingdoms Demands Urgent Investigation, Protection of Litigants and Accountability
BENIN CITY, EDO STATE — The Soron Ibe-Ijaw Kingdoms of Edo State has called on the Edo State Government to urgently investigate an alleged attack involving Ijaw litigants at the Edo State High Court.
The call was contained in an open letter addressed to the Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, in which the group urged the government to establish the facts surrounding the reported incident and take appropriate action if any wrongdoing is confirmed.
According to the organisation, the allegation is serious and requires an immediate, impartial and transparent response to protect the integrity of the judicial process and maintain public confidence in the rule of law.
The group stressed that any act of intimidation, assault or unlawful interference with litigants must be properly investigated and addressed in accordance with the law if proven to have occurred.
It also called for the preservation and examination of available evidence, including CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts and other relevant materials that could assist investigators in determining what transpired.
Group Calls for Protection of Victims and Witnesses
The Soron Ibe-Ijaw Kingdoms further urged the authorities to guarantee the safety of alleged victims, witnesses and other individuals connected to the matter.
The group maintained that all parties involved should be treated fairly and that anyone found culpable should face the appropriate legal consequences, irrespective of ethnicity, political affiliation or social status.
It said an impartial investigation would help establish the facts and prevent speculation from further escalating tensions surrounding the matter.
Call for Justice, Not Ethnic Confrontation
While demanding accountability, the organisation cautioned against allowing the alleged incident to become a source of ethnic confrontation between the Ijaw and Bini peoples.
The group emphasised that the alleged actions of individuals should not be used to condemn an entire ethnic group, stressing that peace and justice must remain the shared responsibility of all communities in Edo State.
However, it maintained that the pursuit of peace should not be used as a justification for ignoring legitimate grievances or preventing accountability.
The organisation’s position is that sustainable peace can only be achieved when justice, fairness and the rule of law are upheld.
Six Key Demands
The Soron Ibe-Ijaw Kingdoms called on the Edo State Government to take the following steps:
1. Facilitate an immediate and impartial investigation into the reported incident.
2. Preserve and examine relevant evidence, including CCTV footage and eyewitness testimony.
3. Guarantee the safety of alleged victims, witnesses and other persons connected to the matter.
4. Ensure that anyone found culpable faces the full consequences of the law, regardless of ethnicity, political affiliation or social status.
5. Issue an appropriate public statement explaining the government’s response and reassuring affected communities.
6. Take proactive measures to prevent the matter from escalating into ethnic tension or community hostility.
Group Appeals for Impartiality and Rule of Law
The group argued that the situation provides an opportunity for the Edo State Government to demonstrate its commitment to impartiality, the rule of law and equal protection for all residents of the state.
It further clarified that its demand for justice should not be interpreted as a declaration of ethnic hostility or an invitation to confrontation.
Rather, the organisation said its central demand is for the facts to be established, the law to take its course and the rights and dignity of every citizen to be protected.
The appeal was signed by Engr. Henry Yeigagha, JP, on behalf of the Soron Ibe-Ijaw Kingdoms, Edo State.
As attention continues to focus on the allegation, stakeholders are expected to await any official investigation and further clarification from the relevant authorities.
Global Egberi TV will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Reporter: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
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