Ogidigba Warns Edo Politicians Against Attack on Ijaw Youth, Seeks Edo Governor Intervention

By Joseph Bienbo, Warri

Gen. Ogidigba Godstime Ogidigba, National Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme Phase 3, has warned political actors in Edo State to desist from politics of hatred and bitterness, following an alleged attack on an Ijaw youth leader.

In a statement on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Gen. Ogidigba condemned the attack on Comrade Gbale Joseph by suspected hoodlums allegedly sent by high-profile politicians to assassinate him. He described the incident as a dangerous descent into political violence that threatens peace in the state.

“Targeting Ijaw youths for political reasons is unacceptable. The attack on Comrade Gbale Joseph is condemnable and must not repeat itself,” Ogidigba stated.

The Amnesty Programme Phase 3 Chairman warned that further attacks on any Ijaw sons and daughters in Edo State will no longer be tolerated. He said the Ijaw community in Edo remains law-abiding but will not fold its arms while its people are targeted.

Gen. Ogidigba called on the Edo State Government and the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, to ensure that the perpetrators are identified, arrested, and brought to justice. He cautioned that failure to act could escalate ethnic and tribal tensions in the state.

“This act is capable of creating an ethnic crisis. We urge the authorities to move swiftly to prevent a breakdown of law and order,” he added.

He urged political gladiators in Edo State to stop the politics of hatred and bitterness, and to embrace issue-based engagement as the state approaches future elections. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Phase 3 Amnesty Programme to peace, stability, and the protection of all Niger Delta youths.