Opinion: Correcting the Misleading Narrative on the Alleged Adoloseimo 2 Invasion — A Call for Responsible Reporting

Opinion: Correcting the Misleading Narrative on the Alleged Adoloseimo 2 Invasion — A Call for Responsible Reporting

By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International

The recent publication alleging that “dreaded Egbema armed men invaded Adoloseimo 2” has not only stirred tension within the already fragile Arogbo–Egbema relations, but has also amplified a troubling pattern of unverified, inflammatory reportage that threatens the peace-building efforts of both kingdoms.

Let it be stated clearly and without ambiguity:
There have indeed been disputes between Kokotoru and Adoloseimo 2 in recent years. But it is wrong, misleading, and deeply unfair to generalize an unverified attack to “Egbema armed men” or to attribute actions of unidentified individuals to an entire kingdom.

Such sweeping captions, especially when amplified on public platforms, only worsen mistrust, heighten communal suspicion, and undermine the very peace the communities are working hard to maintain.

Loose Captions Can Ignite Real Conflict

The phrase “Dreaded Egbema armed men” is not just sensational; it is dangerously irresponsible.

Egbema Kingdom spans multiple states, multiple clans, and multiple peaceful communities. To tag a whole kingdom as perpetrators of a crime carried out by unknown persons is to promote collective guilt — a practice frowned upon by any ethical newsroom.

Even the original report repeatedly admitted that:

  • The attackers were “suspected”

  • Their identities were “unverified”

  • No official confirmation had been released

  • Investigations were still ongoing

Yet the caption boldly indicted an entire ethnic bloc.

This is misleading journalism, and it must be corrected.

Context Matters — Kokotoru Does Not Represent All of Egbema

Yes, Kokotoru is an Egbema community.
Yes, Kokotoru and Adoloseimo 2 have had documented disputes, especially around forest boundaries and land rights.

But the actions of a single community faction—or worse, unidentified actors who may not even be from Kokotoru—cannot be used to criminalize the entire Egbema Kingdom, which stretches across Edo and Delta states and includes peaceful clans working tirelessly for stability.

Institutionally, Egbema Kingdom has:

  • A structured traditional council

  • Recognized royal authorities

  • Ongoing engagements with Ondo, and Delta governments

  • Strong relationships with security agencies

To accuse the whole Kingdom of armed invasion without evidence is not journalism; it is mischaracterization.

Journalistic Responsibility Requires Verification

The report boldly announced an “invasion,” yet:

  • No casualty was recorded

  • No structure was actually destroyed

  • No security agency confirmed the attackers’ identities

  • No palace statement was available

  • No eyewitness directly identified Egbema citizens

  • No official investigation report was referenced

In fact, the story itself noted that the assailants “retreated back” before inflicting major damage — a fact inconsistent with the behaviour of organized militia groups.

If the evidence is not established, the headline must reflect uncertainty.
Journalism must inform, not inflame.

This Is a Call for an Official Refutal

As a peace advocate and media professional from the Niger Delta, I strongly urge NigerDelta Voice to:

  1. Retract or amend the misleading caption, replacing it with a factually accurate, non-inflammatory headline.

  2. Issue a clarification acknowledging that the identities of the attackers were not confirmed at the time of publication.

  3. Avoid ethnic generalizations that portray whole kingdoms as violent aggressors.

  4. Engage both Arogbo and Egbema Traditional Councils to obtain balanced information before publishing.

The media has a sacred responsibility in conflict-prone regions. A poorly chosen headline can undo years of peace efforts and damage inter-community relations.

Arogbo and Egbema Must Not Allow Journalism to Divide Them

Both kingdoms share geography, history, commerce, intermarriages, and waterways.
They also share long-standing grievances that should be resolved through dialogue, not accusations.

At a time when criminal elements exploit border gaps, the media must act as a stabilizer — not a matchstick.

Conclusion

The truth is simple:

  • The crisis between Kokotoru and Adoloseimo 2 is real.

  • The fear in Adoloseimo 2 is understandable.

  • But attributing the attack to “Egbema armed men”—without evidence—is unacceptable and harmful.

A correction is not a sign of weakness.
It is a sign of integrity.

For peace to return to the fragile Arogbo–Egbema axis, the media must become part of the solution — not the problem.

Opinion by: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International

Source Reference: Original report published by NigerDelta Voice Reporters

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