NDJEAF CONDEMNS ALLEGED ATTACK ON IJAW LEADERS AT EDO HIGH COURT, CALLS FOR URGENT POLICE INVESTIGATION
Ex-agitators warn of potential Benin–Ijaw tension, demand protection for litigants in Ughoton–Gelegele land dispute
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International Ltd.
October 11, 2026
The Niger Delta Joint Ex-Agitators’ Forum (NDJEAF), known as Ambassadors of Peace in the Niger Delta, has strongly condemned an alleged attack on Ijaw indigenes and a revered traditional ruler, Archbishop Godwin Soraye, at the Edo State High Court 4, calling on the state government, police, security agencies and judicial authorities to urgently investigate the incident and prevent a possible escalation of communal tensions.
In a press statement dated October 10, 2026, and signed by its National President, Double Prince Godwin Tamaramieyeseiya, and National Secretary, Hon. Comr. Cletus Iniovosa Omerhiowa, the forum described the reported incident as a serious threat to the rule of law, public safety and peaceful coexistence between the Ijaw and Benin ethnic nationalities.
The group said the incident occurred in connection with the ongoing land dispute between the Ughoton and Gelegele communities in Edo State, a matter it noted is already before a court of competent jurisdiction.
According to NDJEAF, Ijaw leaders had visited the court in connection with the proceedings when a group of youths allegedly confronted, harassed and attempted to intimidate them within the court premises.
The forum called on the relevant authorities to establish the facts surrounding the incident, identify those responsible for any wrongdoing and ensure that justice is served in accordance with the law.
ALLEGED ATTACK ON I JAW LEADERS SPARKS CONCERN
In its account of the incident, NDJEAF alleged that more than 50 youths wearing caps, T-shirts and other items bearing the inscription “Otedo Youth” gathered at the court premises and attacked or intimidated members of the Ijaw delegation.
The statement named Osaze Alex Udobor and Amas Uwadia as individuals alleged to have led the youths. These allegations have not been independently established in this report, and any criminal responsibility must be determined through a proper investigation and due legal process.
Among those identified by the forum as victims of the alleged attack were:
- His Royal Majesty, Archbishop Godwin Soraye.
- Mr. Godwin Ekinbor.
- Mr. Tena Sonya.
- Mr. Friday Sunde.
- Other persons whose identities were not specified in the statement.
NDJEAF further alleged that the confrontation extended into the court’s courtyard, where the youths allegedly intimidated litigants, recorded videos of their lawyers and attempted to force some of those involved into vehicles.
The forum credited security personnel attached to the High Court and the reported intervention of the Divisional Police Officer of Evbuotubu Police Division with helping to prevent a more serious incident.
The precise circumstances of the alleged attack, including the claims of attempted abduction and the identities and actions of those involved, require independent verification by the appropriate authorities.
NDJEAF: “THE COURT IS A TEMPLE OF JUSTICE, NOT A BATTLEFIELD”
Expressing its concerns over the reported incident, the forum warned that violence or intimidation within court premises represents a serious challenge to the administration of justice and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
NDJEAF maintained that the existence of a pending land case makes it particularly important for all parties to respect judicial proceedings and refrain from actions capable of undermining the authority of the court.
According to the forum, disagreements over land ownership and community boundaries must be resolved through lawful judicial processes rather than intimidation, violence or confrontation.
It warned that allowing individuals or groups to take the law into their own hands could weaken public confidence in the justice system and create an atmosphere of fear among litigants, lawyers and other court users.
The organisation also expressed concern over the alleged treatment of Archbishop Godwin Soraye, describing the reported incident as particularly troubling because of the traditional and religious significance attributed to him.
The forum called for respect for traditional institutions and the dignity of individuals, stressing that no person should be subjected to violence or intimidation because of their ethnic identity, community affiliation or participation in a legal dispute.
FEAR OF POSSIBLE BENIN–IJAW TENSION
One of the strongest concerns raised in the press statement was the potential impact of the incident on relations between the Ijaw and Benin ethnic nationalities, who have longstanding historical, cultural, commercial and geographical connections in the Niger Delta and Edo State.
NDJEAF cautioned that the alleged attack, if substantiated and left unaddressed, could fuel resentment and provoke reactions capable of disturbing the peace of neighbouring communities.
The forum therefore urged community leaders, traditional authorities, youth organisations and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and discourage inflammatory statements or retaliatory actions.
It stressed that the allegations should not be used to stigmatise entire ethnic groups or communities, emphasising that responsibility for any proven wrongdoing rests with the individuals involved rather than innocent members of their ethnic nationalities.
The organisation’s intervention comes with a strong appeal for calm, dialogue and accountability at a time when tensions surrounding community land disputes can have consequences extending beyond the immediate parties to a case.
FOUR URGENT DEMANDS TO EDO STATE AUTHORITIES
To prevent further incidents and protect the integrity of the judicial process, NDJEAF formally called the attention of the following authorities to the matter:
- The Executive Governor of Edo State.
- The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command.
- The Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Edo State.
- The Chief Judge of Edo State.
The forum outlined three principal demands.
1. Immediate and thorough investigation
NDJEAF called for a discreet but comprehensive investigation into the alleged attack, urging the relevant authorities to establish what happened and bring anyone found culpable before the law.
It specifically mentioned Osaze Alex Udobor, Amas Uwadia and other alleged collaborators, while stressing the need for accountability through lawful procedures.
2. Enhanced security for Ijaw residents and court users
The organisation demanded adequate security for Ijaw indigenes living in Edo State and for all litigants involved in the Ughoton–Gelegele land dispute.
It argued that court users must be able to attend hearings, consult their lawyers and participate in legal proceedings without fear of intimidation, violence or abduction.
3. Urgent intervention by community leadership
NDJEAF called on the leadership of Otedo and Ughoton communities to intervene and ensure that their youths do not engage in actions capable of escalating the dispute into a broader communal crisis.
It urged community leaders to promote dialogue, restraint and respect for the judicial process while the court determines the underlying land dispute.
“WE LAID DOWN OUR ARMS FOR PEACE”
In one of the most emphatic portions of its statement, NDJEAF invoked its members’ experience as former agitators who, according to the organisation, laid down their arms in pursuit of peace and stability in the Niger Delta.
The forum said it would not remain indifferent to developments that could threaten the peace its members had worked to promote across the region.
However, it underscored the importance of justice as an essential foundation for sustainable peace.
“We are for peace, but peace must come with justice,” the organisation declared, ending its statement with the forceful message: “Enough is Enough!”
The declaration reflects the forum’s position that lasting peace cannot be secured through silence in the face of alleged wrongdoing, but through credible investigations, lawful accountability and measures that prevent further violence.
THE BIGGER ISSUE: PROTECTING THE RULE OF LAW AND INTER-COMMUNAL PEACE
Beyond the immediate allegations, the incident raises important questions about the safety of litigants, the protection of judicial proceedings and the management of sensitive land disputes involving neighbouring communities.
Courts must remain places where parties can seek justice without fear. Any credible allegation of violence, intimidation or attempted abduction within court premises therefore warrants serious attention from the appropriate authorities.
Equally important is the need to prevent a local dispute from becoming an ethnic confrontation. Public officials, community leaders and civil society organisations have a shared responsibility to promote restraint, protect vulnerable individuals and ensure that allegations are investigated on their merits.
For the Ijaw and Benin communities, the preservation of peaceful coexistence is particularly important. Differences over land, boundaries or ownership should not be allowed to destroy longstanding relationships between neighbours.
A credible, impartial investigation would help establish the facts, determine whether offences occurred and identify appropriate legal responses. It would also help counter misinformation and discourage collective blame or retaliatory action.
As of the publication of this report, the allegations presented in the NDJEAF statement have not been independently verified by Global Egberi Media International Ltd. The responses of the named individuals, Otedo community representatives, the Edo State Police Command and the relevant court authorities were not included in the material provided for this report.
The named individuals are entitled to the presumption of innocence, and the allegations against them should not be treated as established facts without supporting evidence and due process.
CONCLUSION
The NDJEAF statement serves as an urgent appeal for justice, accountability and restraint amid allegations of violence connected to the Ughoton–Gelegele land dispute.
The immediate priority should be to establish the facts, protect those who may be at risk, safeguard the judicial process and prevent any further confrontation.
Edo State’s relevant authorities are being urged to respond decisively, while community leaders and residents are encouraged to reject violence and allow the law to take its course.
The message is clear: no land dispute should become a reason for ethnic hostility, and no litigant should have to fear for their safety while seeking justice.
Reported by Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International Ltd.
Source: Press statement issued by the Niger Delta Joint Ex-Agitators’ Forum (NDJEAF), dated October 10, 2026, and signed by its National President, Double Prince Godwin Tamaramieyeseiya, and National Secretary, Hon. Comr. Cletus Iniovosa Omerhiowa.
About the Author
