Dare Babalola
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has stated that there is no justification for attacking the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, by some protesters.
A peaceful demonstration in Ekpoma, sparked by concerns over insecurity and frequent kidnappings, was disrupted by hoodlums who instigated violence, affecting the community.
The hoodlums reportedly dispersed traders at the livestock market, slaughtered goats, assaulted cattle, and vandalized sections of the Onojie’s palace.
The protest led to the blockage of a major highway and brought commercial activities to a standstill.
However, on Monday, the governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, condemned the attack when he visited the palace to ascertain the level of destruction allegedly caused by the protesters.
He said there was no justification for invading a traditional institution under the guise of expressing grievances over insecurity.
Governor Okpebholo was accompanied by top 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.), and other party stakeholders.
During the visit, the governor was taken around the palace and shown several items destroyed during the invasion. Vehicles within the palace compound were vandalised, while canopies and chairs were broken.
Cartons of Indomie noodles belonging to the Onojie’s wife, who trades in the product, were also destroyed. Doors and windows of the palace were damaged.
The governor described the invasion of the palace and the looting of property as criminal and unacceptable, stressing that protests must never be used as an excuse 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 disclosed that a security meeting was held earlier in the week with a strong focus on Edo Central Senatorial District, particularly the Ekpoma axis, adding that the government had rolled out strategic, technology-driven security operations.
“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.
Governor Okpebholo warned that those who hijacked the protest to vandalise the palace and loot property would be brought to justice.
“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.
Emphasising his personal stake in the peace of Ekpoma and Esanland, the governor added, “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.”
