Edo Ijaw-Bini Tensions: Gen. Ogidigba Condemns Alleged Attack on Ijaw Representative, Urges Government Intervention

By Chukwunonso Eric, Warri.

Gen. Ogidigba Godstime Ogidigba has condemned the alleged attack on an Ijaw representative by youths identified as Otuedo at court premises, calling on Bini leaders and security agencies to intervene urgently to prevent a possible escalation of ethnic tensions in Edo State.

Ogidigba urged Bini leaders to caution their youths against actions capable of threatening peaceful coexistence, warning that failure to address the situation could lead to a wider ethnic crisis and a breakdown of law and order.

He appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Edo State, and the Commander of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army to take swift action to address the incident, maintain peace and prevent further confrontation.

According to Ogidigba, peace remains essential to the state’s development, particularly as the government and security agencies continue efforts to tackle kidnapping, cultism and other security challenges. He warned that renewed ethnic tensions could undermine these efforts and threaten the safety of residents.

He described the Ijaw people as law-abiding and peace-loving, while maintaining that intimidation and oppression should not be tolerated. He called on all parties to exercise restraint, respect the rule of law and embrace dialogue as the most effective means of resolving disputes.

Ogidigba stressed the need for prompt intervention by the relevant authorities to ensure that the alleged incident does not escalate into a broader communal conflict, urging community leaders to promote understanding and peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic groups in Edo State.