Edo Governor Condemns Attack on Onojie of Ekpoma’s Palace, Promises Swift Justice
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has condemned the violent attack on the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, by protesters who reportedly hijacked a peaceful demonstration over insecurity in the community.
Akahi News gathered that while a peaceful protest was staged on Saturday to highlight issues of kidnapping and insecurity, hoodlums allegedly seized the opportunity to unleash chaos, vandalising property and disrupting commercial activities. Traders at the livestock market were chased away, goats were killed, cows were beaten, and sections of the Onojie’s palace were destroyed. The protest also blocked a major highway, grounding economic activity in the area.
Governor Visits Palace, Assesses Damage
On Monday, Governor Okpebholo visited the palace alongside 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.), to evaluate the damage caused during the attack.
During the visit, the governor was shown vandalised vehicles within the palace compound, broken canopies and chairs, damaged doors and windows, and destroyed cartons of Indomie noodles belonging to the Onojie’s wife, who trades in the product.
Describing the attack as criminal and unacceptable, Governor Okpebholo stressed that protests must not be used as a cover for lawlessness. “There was no justification for invading a traditional institution under the guise of expressing grievances over insecurity,” he said.
Security Measures and Response
The governor highlighted that the state government had already been implementing strategic security operations across Edo, focusing on Edo Central, including Ekpoma. He recounted recent successes, including the rescue of nine kidnapped persons in Etsako West, with the kidnappers apprehended.
“We will leave no stone unturned. Those who hijacked the protest to vandalise the palace and loot property will be brought to justice. Nobody should test our patience,” he warned, adding that the actions of law enforcement in the coming days would demonstrate the state’s commitment to peace.
Emphasising his personal stake in the safety of Ekpoma and Esanland, Governor Okpebholo stated, “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.”
Onojie Speaks on Incident
The Onojie of Ekpoma described the attack as unfortunate and claimed that many 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,” he said.
He added that he initially attempted to address the protesters but was prevented from doing so, and that the violent incursion occurred while he was attending a security meeting with other traditional rulers.
Government Assures Peace
Governor Okpebholo assured the Onojie and the people of Ekpoma that decisive security operations were imminent and that law and order would be fully restored in the community and across Edo Central. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to tackling insecurity while holding perpetrators of violence accountable.
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