They urged the Presidency to intervene to avoid confrontation between the community and the JTF.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a meeting held in Benin City yesterday by the leaders of thought.
They said the community was shocked by the recent attack on the area by men of the JTF, which led to the killings and arrests of some of their people for no just cause.
The communiqué, signed by Joel Bisina, Shell Baidi Esq., R.E.O Esite Esq. and Ugha Kurumah Esq, said: “We, the Egbema leaders of thought in Edo and Delta states condemned the recent killing, maiming and arrest of some of our youths by men of the JTF. “We enjoin President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene by calling them to order as well as ordering the release of those in detention, to avoid confrontation between the community and the JTF.
“We decry the marginalisation of Egbema kingdom by the governments of Edo and Delta states, especially in appointment into key positions. We attribute the situation to our disunity, which has resulted in the total neglect of our people and underdevelopment of infrastructure in our communities since the creation of Edo and Delta states.
“A seven-man committee to be chaired by Rev. Wotu Seigha Elijah has been constituted by the meeting to reconcile disagreeing groups in the kingdom, while another body to be known as Egbema Central Council, which will be headed by Shell Baidi Esq., has also been constituted to pilot the affairs of the kingdom.
“Egbema leaders of thought shall in a subsequent meeting adopt the Udo–Egbema road project committee to work in conjunction with the Federal Government to ensure a speedy and successful completion of the road project, which was awarded long ago. We hail the convener of the meeting, Joel Bisina.
“The session is urging the sons and daughters of Egbema kingdom to stop dissipating their energies in fighting themselves. They should channel such energies to see how they can improve on their life styles and bring development to their area. The meeting, however, acknowledges the goodwill message from the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman, Committee on Amnesty Programme. Hon. Kingsley Kuku and wishes him well in his endeavour.”
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
AMVCA 2025: Seven Doors & Lisabi: The Uprising Light Up Nollywood’s Biggest Night (Full Winners)
Kidnap Ring Busted In Anambra: Four Arrested In Daring Night Raid
Ex-AUN Provost, Professor Yusuf Attahir Baba Loses Three Children in Devastating Car Crash
Football Star, Lionel Messi-Marriage Rumours Stir Online Frenzy As Divorce Speculations Grow
El-Rufai & Peter Obi Meet at Cambridge Conference, Sparking Political Speculation Ahead Of 2027 Elections
"How My Mother’s Lover Rap3d Me" — 12 Year Old Victim Narrates Ordeal