Benue youths, operating under the banner of the Igede Youths Council, IYC, have issued a strong caution to the lawmaker representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, David Ogewu, over comments they described as reckless and insulting.
Their anger stems from claims that Ogewu allegedly referred to Igede youths as “fools” after they raised concerns about the poor state of the Otukpo-Oju stretch of the Loko-Oweto-Oju-Yahe Federal road.
According to the group, such remarks attack the pride of the Igede people and distort the true character of a community known for perseverance and a deep sense of identity.
The reaction was released in a statement signed on Wednesday, the 5th of November, 2025, by the IYC President, Andyson Iji Egbodo, and Secretary, Smith Akoko.
Part of the statement read, ‘With deep disappointment, we note Mr Ogewu’s failure to recognize the legitimate concerns of his constituents.
‘Our demand for infrastructural development is certainly not one of foolishness, so the dismissive language used by Mr Ogewu reveals a concerning lack of respect for the very youths who gave him a chance in the 2023 election. “We have realized the mistake and now know we really never knew him.
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“On this note, we categorically reject this derogatory rhetoric and call upon every Igede youth to exercise their civic duty and obtain their voter cards, as we have a crucial task ahead of us: to remove David Ogewu from the National Assembly and replace him with a representative whose character reflects the true values of an Igede man, one with humility, respect, and genuine concern for his constituents.”’
The council stressed that their agitation is for what belongs to their people and vowed to remain steadfast.
“We will continue to advocate for our rights and demands through every lawful means available to us, including peaceful protests. The neglect of our roads and infrastructure cannot be ignored, and we will not rest until our voices are heard and our needs addressed.”