Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has denounced the attack on the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, following a protest in the community.
A demonstration by residents of Ekpoma against insecurity and the rising cases of kidnapping on Saturday was reportedly taken over by hoodlums, who turned the exercise violent and unleashed destruction across the area.
During the unrest, traders at the livestock market were forced to flee, animals including goats were killed, cows were beaten, and sections of the Onojie’s palace were attacked and damaged.
The protest also disrupted traffic as a major highway was blocked, bringing commercial activities to a standstill.
On Monday, Governor Okpebholo, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, condemned the incident during a visit to the palace to assess the extent of the destruction allegedly carried out by the protesters.
The governor said there was no excuse for attacking a traditional institution under the pretext of expressing grievances over insecurity.
He was accompanied on the visit by senior government officials, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, and leaders of the All Progressives Congress, including the Edo Central Senatorial leader, General Cecil Esekhaigbe (retd.), alongside other party stakeholders.
While touring the palace, the governor was shown various items damaged during the invasion. Vehicles within the palace premises were vandalised, while canopies and chairs were destroyed.
Cartons of Indomie noodles belonging to the Onojie’s wife, who trades in the product, were also damaged. Doors and windows in the palace were not spared.
Governor Okpebholo described the invasion and looting of the palace as criminal and unacceptable, warning that protests must never be turned into avenues for lawlessness.
“I want to thank Your Highness for the love you have shown to me and our people over the years.
“Kidnapping is a serious problem across Nigeria, and that is why the President has taken bold steps, including withdrawing police from VIP duties, to strengthen the fight against insecurity,” the governor said.
He revealed that a security meeting had been held earlier in the week with special attention on Edo Central Senatorial District, particularly the Ekpoma axis, noting that the government had introduced strategic, technology-driven security measures.
“We have carried out operations in Edo North and Edo South, and now we are in Edo Central. We will leave no stone unturned.
“The first operation was very successful—nine kidnapped persons in Etsako West were rescued unhurt and the kidnappers were arrested,” he stated.
The governor further warned that those who hijacked the protest to vandalise the palace and loot property would face the full weight of the law.
“They came under the guise of protest and sentiments, then resorted to looting and violence. This is unacceptable and I condemn the act.
“We will go after them the same way we are going after kidnappers. Nobody should test our patience,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to the peace of Ekpoma and Esanland, Governor Okpebholo stressed, “I am an Esan man and I got my highest votes here in Ekpoma. I will not allow bad things to happen in this land.
“In the coming days, our actions will speak for themselves. Nobody involved in this criminality will be spared.”
Earlier, the Onojie described the incident as unfortunate, alleging that many of the protesters were under the influence of illicit drugs.
“What transpired was very sad. Many of them were under the influence of drugs. If not for God’s intervention, something worse would have happened,” the monarch said.
He explained that he had attempted to address the protesters when they initially arrived but was prevented from doing so.
According to him, the protesters later returned while he was away at a security meeting with other traditional rulers, forced their way into the palace and carried out the violent acts.
Governor Okpebholo assured the traditional ruler and residents of Ekpoma that decisive security actions would soon be implemented, pledging that peace, law and order would be fully restored in the community and across Edo Central.
