Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has condemned the attack on the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II, following a protest in Ekpoma that resulted in the blockage of a major highway and widespread destruction of property.
The governor’s condemnation came a day after the incident, when he visited the palace to personally assess the damage allegedly caused by protesters who invaded the palace under the guise of expressing their grievances over the state of insecurity.
Gov. Okpebholo was accompanied by top government officials, the Edo State commissioner of police, and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including the state Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd), and other party stakeholders.
During the visit, the governor was taken round the palace and shown several items destroyed during the invasion.
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Vehicles within the palace compound were vandalised, while canopies and chairs were broken.
Cartons of Indomie noodles belonging to the Enojie’s wife, who trades in the product, were also destroyed.
Doors and windows within the palace were similarly, damaged.
Reacting, Gov. Okpebholo 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,” the governor said.
“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 state government had rolled out strategic, and 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.
Gov. 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.
“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 Esan land, 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.”
Earlier, the Onojie 0f Ekpoma, Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II, described the incident as unfortunate, alleging that many of the protesters were under the influence of hard 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 attempted to address the protesters when they first arrived but was prevented from doing so.
The traditional ruler said the protesters later returned while he was away attending a security meeting with other traditional rulers, forced their way into the palace, and unleashed violence.
Gov. Okpebholo assured the traditional ruler and the people of Ekpoma that decisive security operations were imminent, stressing that peace, law, and order would be fully restored in the community and across the senatorial district.
