Okpebholo condemns attack on Ekpoma monarch’s palace, vows justice
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has condemned the attack on the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, His Royal Highness Zaiki Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II, following a protest in the town that led to the blockage of a major highway and destruction of property.
The governor made the condemnation during a visit to the palace a day after the incident, where he personally assessed the damage allegedly caused by protesters who invaded the traditional institution under the guise of protesting insecurity.
Okpebholo was accompanied by top government officials, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including the party’s state chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, and Edo Central Senatorial leader, General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd).
During the inspection, the governor was shown vandalised vehicles, broken canopies and chairs, damaged doors and windows, as well as cartons of noodles belonging to the monarch’s wife, which were destroyed during the invasion.
Describing the attack as criminal and unacceptable, Okpebholo stressed that protests must never be used as an excuse for lawlessness. He noted that while kidnapping remains a national challenge, the federal and state governments are taking decisive steps to address insecurity.
The governor disclosed that recent security meetings had focused on Edo Central, particularly the Ekpoma axis, adding that technology-driven operations had already recorded successes, including the rescue of nine kidnapped victims in Edo North.
He warned that those who hijacked the protest to vandalise the palace and loot property would be tracked down and prosecuted, insisting that nobody would be allowed to undermine peace in the state.
Earlier, the Onojie of Ekpoma described the incident as unfortunate, alleging that some of the protesters were under the influence of illicit drugs. Okpebholo assured the monarch and residents that decisive security actions would be taken to restore peace and order across Ekpoma and Edo Central.
