Ijaghala Community Denies Alleged Abduction Of Youth Leaders, Disowns Claims Attributed To Alex Eyengho

…Says Claims Are False, Misleading And Capable Of Creating Division Within The Community

The Ijaghala Community has rejected as false, misleading, and unfounded the allegations contained in a publication titled “Gbaramatu-Ijaw Leaders Allegedly Order Kidnap of Top Executives of Ugborodo Youth Body,” published by an online platform in Warri on the 26th of July, 2026.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by Gabriel Ofeoritse Eyeaghanre, Chairman of the Ijaghala Community Management Caretaker Committee; Oritsedumi Monday, Chief Priest of Ijaghala Community; and Chief Samuel Eyengho, on behalf of the Ijaghala Community.

According to the community, the publication alleged that the Chairman, Mayomi Ololo Abeson; General Secretary, Adeyemi Tobi; and Public Relations Officer, Glory Macaully, of the Ijaghala branch of the Ugborodo Community National Youth Body, were abducted by armed persons allegedly acting on the instructions of leaders of Gbaramatu-Ijaw.

The community also denied the publication’s claim that the three youth executives were taken to Oporoza and detained in what was described as an “illegal prison.”

In a statement issued by its leadership, the community said the publication does not reflect its position and should be treated with caution. It maintained that the allegations are inaccurate and capable of creating unnecessary tension, suspicion, and division among neighboring communities.

The community stated that the matter at the center of the controversy is an internal disagreement between two factions laying claim to the leadership of the community’s youth body.

The statement added that one faction is led by Mr. Alex Eyengho, while the other is associated with Mr. Besidone Eyengho, with Stanley Oluku serving as Chairman, Kenneth Ogugbemi as Secretary, and Glory Macaully as Public Relations Officer.

The leadership further maintained that the internal dispute should not be portrayed as a kidnapping incident involving Gbaramatu-Ijaw leaders or as evidence supporting allegations of the existence of any private or illegal detention facility in Oporoza.

The community also stated that Mr. Alex Eyengho is not authorised to speak on behalf of Ijaghala Community and does not represent its recognised leadership. Consequently, it said, his comments and conclusions should not be construed as the official position of the community.

Continuing, the statement said that the remarks attributed to Mr. Eyengho appear intended to create disaffection, foster distrust, and generate unnecessary friction within and around Ijaghala Community.

Furthermore, the community expressed concern that attempts to associate it with unverified allegations of kidnapping, illegal detention, and the operation of alleged private prisons could heighten tensions unnecessarily.

The community described itself as peace-loving, law-abiding, and committed to peaceful coexistence with neighbouring communities. It stressed that it has no interest in promoting falsehood, hostility, or unsubstantiated accusations against any individual or community.

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The statement further expressed regret that allegations of such a serious nature were allegedly published without seeking clarification from the recognised leadership of Ijaghala Community. It noted that reports of this nature could have far-reaching consequences and urged journalists to exercise due diligence by verifying claims before publication.

The community called on the public, security agencies, and the media to treat the allegations with caution and to disregard any statement purportedly issued on behalf of Ijaghala Community without the approval of its recognised leadership.

While reaffirming its commitment to peace, dialogue, and the lawful resolution of disputes, the community stated that it would continue to protect its reputation against what it described as false narratives capable of creating division among its people.