SORON IBE-IJAW KINGDOMS OF EDO STATE DEMANDS URGENT INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED ATTACK ON IJAW LITIGANTS AT HIGH COURT
Group calls for prosecution of alleged perpetrators, warns against escalating ethnic tension in Edo State
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
For Global Egberi TV
The leadership of the SORON IBE-Ijaw Kingdoms of Edo State has called for an urgent investigation into what it described as a disturbing attack allegedly carried out by individuals identified as OTEDO youths against Ijaw indigenes, litigants and their legal representatives at the Edo State High Court premises.
The group made the demand in a press conference statement titled “Press Conference on the Vicious Attack on Ijaw Indigenes at the Edo State High Court Premises on the 6th of October, 2026.”
According to the statement signed by leaders of the organisation, the incident occurred at the Edo State High Court premises following a court proceeding involving members of the Ijaw community.
The SORON IBE-Ijaw leadership said it was drawing the attention of the Edo State Government, security agencies and the general public to what it described as a “dastardly attack” allegedly inflicted on Edo State Ijaw indigenes, including Archbishop Godwin Soroghaye, Mr. Edwin Iking, Mr. Tena Donyegha, Friday Sode and others.
The affected individuals, according to the statement, were at High Court 4 (Civil) in connection with a suit involving the Gelegelegbene community.
Alleged attack at High Court premises
The organisation alleged that more than 50 persons identified as OTEDO youths were present around the court premises and that some of the alleged attackers subsequently followed the victims and their lawyers from the courtroom towards the court canteen.
The statement claimed that the incident occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m., after the court sitting, with the assailants allegedly making videos of the lawyers and litigants.
It further alleged that some of the youths were seen moving around the court premises while allegedly brandishing battle axes and short guns, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
According to SORON IBE, the situation reportedly became more serious when the litigants and lawyers attempted to leave the court premises.
The group alleged that the victims were attacked around the exit gate, with some reportedly forced towards waiting vehicles in what the organisation interpreted as an attempt to abduct them.
The statement, however, said that the intervention of security personnel attached to the High Court helped prevent further escalation before officers from the DPO Aideyan Police Division arrived and brought the situation under control.
SORON IBE further alleged that some victims sustained varying degrees of injuries during the incident, while some reportedly had their clothes torn.
Court reportedly reviews CCTV footage
The organisation said its lawyers returned to the courtroom to formally report the incident.
According to the statement, the presiding judge subsequently invited the Chief Security Officer of the High Court to confirm what had happened.
The group said the incident was captured by the court’s CCTV surveillance system, which it believes could assist investigators in establishing what happened and identifying those involved.
Concern over alleged mobilisation of youths
SORON IBE also raised concern over what it described as an earlier mobilisation message circulated on social media.
The organisation alleged that a social media post by an individual identified in its statement as Stafford V.O. Iyonma… called on Bini youths to mobilise to the court premises on October 6, 2026, allegedly with the intention of perpetrating violence against persons connected to the Gelegelegbene matter.
The organisation called on security agencies to investigate the alleged social media mobilisation and determine whether it was connected to the incident at the High Court.
Reference to an earlier alleged incident
The Ijaw group also referred to another incident which it said occurred on September 27, 2026.
According to the statement, individuals allegedly led by Iyamu Osaro, whom the group identified as the Chairman of the Edo State Consumer Protection Committee, reportedly invaded the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in the GRA area of Benin City.
The organisation alleged that the incident occurred while some of its leaders were at the venue and that the intention was allegedly to harm Ijaw indigenes of Edo State.
These claims remain allegations contained in the SORON IBE statement and would require independent investigation and confirmation by the appropriate authorities.
Alleged threats on social media
The organisation further alleged that another individual, identified as Mr. Uwadaie Iyoha, also known as “Higher Man,” made an open threat on his personal Facebook page against Ijaw indigenes in Edo State.
SORON IBE said evidence relating to the alleged post would be presented to security agencies as part of its call for investigation.
‘We will not be intimidated’
While expressing concern over the alleged incidents, the Ijaw leadership declared that it would not allow intimidation to undermine the rights and safety of Ijaw people in Edo State.
The organisation warned that the alleged activities could worsen relations between communities if not urgently addressed.
“It is more worrisome,” the group stated, “that these youths could perpetrate this level of violence in the sacred temple of justice which is the hope of the common man.”
SORON IBE said the Ijaw community would not “fold its arms” and watch what it described as a growing trend of harassment and assault, particularly where individuals were allegedly being threatened because of their ethnic identity.
The group nevertheless called for the matter to be addressed through lawful and institutional channels, insisting that those responsible should be identified and prosecuted.
Calls on Governor, Police and security agencies
The organisation specifically appealed to the Governor of Edo State, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 5, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State, and other relevant security agencies to urgently intervene.
It called for an investigation into the alleged attack of October 6, 2026, and urged authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible.
The group also asked security agencies to investigate the alleged mobilisation of OTEDO youths and prevent any further mobilisation that could result in violence or attacks against Ijaw people in Edo State.
According to SORON IBE, the CCTV recordings from the High Court should form an important part of the investigation, given the organisation’s claim that the events were captured by the court’s security cameras.
Warning against escalation
The organisation expressed concern that the alleged attacks, if left unchecked, could create unnecessary ethnic tension in Edo State.
It urged the Edo State Government to rise to the occasion and take steps to ensure that the situation does not deteriorate into a broader crisis.
The group said the Ijaw nation would protect its people through lawful means but warned that continued inaction in the face of alleged attacks could create tensions with potentially serious consequences.
The statement concluded with a renewed call for urgent intervention, investigation and prosecution, stressing that the rule of law and peaceful coexistence among the different ethnic communities in Edo State must be protected.
The statement was signed by:
- Elder Edmund Tiemo — President, SORON IBE Ijaws of Edo State and Chairman, Egbema Leaders of Thought.
- High Chief Robinson Ogunkoruwei — Vice President, SORON IBE Ijaws of Edo State.
- Toru-Ibe Agagha, Esq. — General Secretary, SORON IBE Ijaws of Edo State.
- Comr. Freedom E. Atigbi, PhD — Youth Leader and Director of Communication, SORON IBE Ijaws of Edo State.
Global Egberi TV observes
The allegations contained in the press conference statement are serious and involve claims of violence, threats, weapons, ethnic intimidation and possible interference with the administration of justice.
Global Egberi TV understands that the allegations are those made by SORON IBE-Ijaw Kingdoms of Edo State and should not be treated as established facts until investigated and confirmed by the appropriate authorities.
Given the alleged availability of High Court CCTV footage, social media records and witnesses, a transparent investigation could help establish exactly what happened, identify those responsible for any wrongdoing and prevent further escalation.
At a time when peaceful coexistence remains critical to the stability of Edo State, all parties and community leaders have a responsibility to pursue their grievances through lawful, peaceful and constitutional channels, while security agencies must act impartially to protect every citizen regardless of ethnic background.
Global Egberi TV will continue to monitor developments surrounding the matter and report verified updates as they emerge.
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi TV
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