NDJEAF Condemns Alleged Attack on Ijaw Leaders, Traditional Ruler at Edo High Court, Demands Prosecution,
By EgbemaVoice,
The Niger Delta Joint Ex-Agitators’ Forum (NDJEAF), Ambassadors of Peace in the Niger Delta, has strongly condemned the alleged attack on Ijaw indigenes, including His Royal Majesty, Archbishop Godwin Soraye, by suspected Otedo youths at the Edo State High Court 4.
In a press statement dated October 10, 2026, the forum alleged that the incident occurred during proceedings concerning the land dispute between Ughoton and Gelegele communities. It accused the youths of assaulting and intimidating Ijaw leaders and attempting to abduct some litigants, an incident reportedly prevented by court security personnel and the intervention of the Evbuotubu Police Division.
NDJEAF described the alleged incident as a threat to the rule of law, the traditional institution and peaceful coexistence between Ijaw and Benin communities.
The forum called on the Edo State Governor, Commissioner of Police, DSS and Chief Judge to investigate the incident, prosecute anyone found culpable, strengthen security for Ijaw indigenes and litigants, and prevent a possible communal crisis.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, the forum stressed that justice and accountability are essential to sustaining peace in the Niger Delta.
The statement was signed by Double Prince Godwin Tamaramieyeseiya, National President, and Hon. Comr. Cletus Iniovosa Omerhiowa, National Secretary, on behalf of NDJEAF.
Full statement
VEHEMENT CONDEMNATION OF THE BARBARIC, PROVOCATIVE AND TRIBALISTIC ATTACK ON IJAWS AND A REVERED TRADITIONAL RULER, ARCHBISHOP GODWIN SORAYE, BY OTEDO YOUTHS AT THE EDO STATE HIGH COURT
_10th. October, 2026._
The leadership and members of the Niger Delta Joint Ex-Agitators' Forum (NDJEAF), a body of peace ambassadors across the Niger Delta region, condemn in the strongest terms, the shameful, vexatious and criminal attack unleashed by Otedo youths on Ijaw indigenes in Edo State, including a highly revered traditional ruler, *His Royal Majesty, Arch Bishop Godwin Soraye*, right inside the premises of Edo State High Court 4.
On the said date, Ijaw leaders went to the Edo State High Court 4 in respect of the land case between *Ughoton vs Gelegele communities of Edo State* - a matter that is already before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Allegedly, over 50 Otedo youths, kitted in emblems, caps and T-shirts bearing "Otedo Youth", led by one *Osaze Alex Udobor and Amas Uwadia*, laid siege at the court, attacked, harassed and attempted to intimidate the Ijaw leaders.
*THOSE BRUTALLY ATTACKED ARE:*
1. HRM. Arch Bishop Godwin Soraye
2. Mr. Godwin Ekinbor
3. Mr. Tena Sonya
4. Mr. Friday Sunde and others.
In a most brazen display of lawlessness and contempt for the judiciary, it was alleged that the assailants trailed the victims to the courtyard of the High Court, made videos of their lawyers, started intimidating the litigants, and attempted to force them into their vehicles to kidnap them.
This attempted abduction was only resisted by the gallant security officers of the High Court and the prompt intervention of the *DPO of Evbuotubu (Adenya) Police Division*, whose swift response averted what would have been a full-blown bloodbath.
This act is not only condemnable, it is a direct attack on the Nigerian judiciary, a threat to peace in Edo State, and a deliberate provocation capable of igniting a tribal crisis between Benin and Ijaw ethnic nationalities who have lived as neighbours for centuries.
We wish to state clearly:
*1. The Court is a Temple of Justice, Not a Battlefield:* No group has the right to turn the High Court premises into a war zone to attack litigants. It is an affront to the rule of law.
*2. Traditional Institution Must Be Respected:* To lay hands on a King and an Arch Bishop in the manner done is a sacrilege and an abomination in Niger Delta tradition.
*3. This is a Dangerous Precedent:* If this lawless act is not checked, it will escalate into a full-blown inter-ethnic crisis that will affect the peace of Edo State and the entire Niger Delta region.
*OUR DEMANDS:*
We therefore draw the attention of:
*a. His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Edo State*
*b. The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command*
*c. The Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Edo State*
*d. The Chief Judge of Edo State*
To as a matter of urgency:
i. Discretely investigate this matter and bring Osaze Alex Udobor, Amas Uwadia and all their collaborators to book.
ii. Provide adequate security for Ijaw indigenes in Edo State and for all litigants in the Ughoton vs Gelegele case to prevent further attacks.
iii. Call the leadership of Otedo and Ughoton communities to order before their youths drag Edo State into avoidable communal crisis.
As ex-agitators who laid down arms for peace in the Niger Delta, we will not fold our hands and watch some misguided youths truncate the peace we fought for.
We are for peace, but peace must come with justice.
Enough is Enough!
*Signed:*
*Double Prince Godwin Tamaramieyeseiya,*
_National President, Niger Delta Joint Ex-Agitators' Forum (NDJEAF)._
*Hon. Comr. Cletus Iniovosa Omerhiowa*
(a.k.a The Political Aficionado)
_National Secretary, Niger Delta Joint Ex-Agitators' Forum (NDJEA)_
For and on behalf of all Members of NDJEAF
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