Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has condemned the attack on the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, by protesters.
A peaceful protest by the people of Ekpoma over insecurity and incessant kidnapping on Saturday was hijacked by hoodlums, who unleashed violence on the community.
They chased away traders at the livestock market, killed goats, beat cows, and attacked and destroyed parts of the Onojie’s palace.
The protest also resulted in the blockage of a major highway and the grounding of commercial activities.
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.
“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.”
Earlier, the royal father described the incident as unfortunate, alleging that many of the protesters were under the influence of illicit drugs.
