By John Ogele
Odimodi, Delta State – June 2, 2025
The Concerned Youths of Odimodi have strongly condemned what they described as a deliberate and malicious attempt to misinform the public and discredit the Odimodi Federated Community and its leadership through unfounded and sensational media reports.
Speaking on behalf of the youths, Comrade Kiyagha Tamarauebilade Ezekiel described recent publications that portray Odimodi as a community in turmoil as “entirely false, mischievous, and driven by a desperate agenda to mislead.”
“These reports alleging armed siege, political thuggery, and fear in Odimodi are purely fictitious and do not reflect our reality. The community remains calm, cohesive, and fully grounded in its cultural traditions and collective values,” he stated.
Joined by fellow youth leaders — Ogini Reuben Emotimifagha, Ezekiel Gbegha, and Emmanuel Iyalagha — the Concerned Youths of Odimodi emphasized that their community has always upheld peace, mutual respect, and unity, firmly rejecting all narratives that seek to paint it otherwise.
“There is a clear pattern to this propaganda. It is not journalism—it is blackmail. We will not accept any form of narrative that seeks to paint Odimodi as unstable or unsafe. Our community leadership has consistently embraced lawful conduct and dialogue, even in challenging circumstances,” Kiyagha added.
Responding to reports surrounding the recent return of the community chairman, Mr. New-word Endoro, the youths clarified that his homecoming was peaceful and marked by cultural observances reflective of Odimodi’s heritage — not intimidation or unrest.
“What took place was a peaceful, cultural procession—not a lockdown, not an act of intimidation. Anyone interpreting our traditions as threats either lacks cultural awareness or is intentionally twisting the truth for ulterior motives,” Kiyagha said.
Comrade Kiyagha Tamarauebilade EzekielThe youths urged journalists and media outlets to verify facts thoroughly before publishing, stressing that sensational reporting in sensitive contexts can incite tension and endanger peace.
“We call on responsible media outlets to do their due diligence. Odimodi is not a battleground—it is a thriving community guided by principles of respect, unity, and order. Any claim to the contrary is both reckless and false,” Kiyagha stated firmly.
They further appealed to security agencies and relevant authorities to trace and bring to book those behind the spread of misleading and defamatory reports aimed at destabilizing the community.
Reaffirming their commitment to peace, unity, and youth empowerment, the Concerned Youths concluded:
“We are the voice of a new generation in Odimodi. We will not be silent while our community is unjustly vilified. Our responsibility is to protect our name, our people, and our future—and we will continue to do so with truth, unity, and dignity.”
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