Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has strongly condemned the violent attack on the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, by protesters on Saturday. What began as a peaceful demonstration by the people of Ekpoma, who were protesting against insecurity and frequent kidnappings in the area, was hijacked by hoodlums who turned the protest into a violent attack on the community.
The protesters chased traders from the livestock market, killed goats, injured cows, and vandalized parts of the Onojie’s palace. The protest also resulted in the blockage of a major highway, crippling commercial activities in the area.
Governor Okpebholo, accompanied by top government officials, including the Commissioner of Police, the Edo Central Senatorial leader, General Cecil Esekhaigbe (retd.), and other party members, visited the palace on Monday to assess the damage. During the visit, the governor was shown the extent of the destruction, which included vandalized vehicles, broken furniture, and looted goods. Notably, cartons of Indomie noodles owned by the Onojie’s wife, who sells the product, were destroyed, alongside damaged doors and windows of the palace.
The governor expressed his outrage, condemning the invasion of the traditional institution under the guise of a protest. “There is no justification for such an attack. This is criminal and unacceptable,” he said. He also warned that those responsible for the violence would be held accountable and that the state government would take strong action to prevent further lawlessness.
The governor emphasized that protests should never be used as a cover for criminal activities and that security forces would continue to pursue those behind the attack with the same determination they are using to combat kidnappers. He noted the recent success of security operations in other parts of the state, such as the rescue of nine kidnapped victims in Etsako West, and assured the people of Ekpoma that further strategic, technology-driven security operations would be rolled out in the region.
The royal father, Onojie Abumere, described the attack as tragic and revealed that many of the protesters appeared to be under the influence of drugs. He recounted how he tried to address the protesters when they initially arrived, but was prevented from doing so. The protestors later returned while he was away at a security meeting, broke into the palace, and caused the destruction.
Governor Okpebholo reiterated his commitment to restoring peace in Ekpoma, stating, “As an Esan man, I will not allow any harm to come to this land. We will ensure that peace, law, and order are fully restored.”
He further reassured the traditional ruler and the community that decisive actions would follow, and that those involved in the violence would face justice.
