We Will Get Them’ — Okpebholo Breaks Silence On Ekpoma Palace Attack

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has strongly condemned the attack on the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, His Royal Highness Zaiki Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II, which occurred after a protest in the town degenerated into violence, disrupting traffic and leading to the destruction of property.

The governor visited the palace a day after the incident to inspect the extent of the damage, which included broken doors and windows, vandalised vehicles, destroyed furniture and the looting of personal belongings belonging to the royal household.

He was accompanied by senior government officials, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, as well as leaders of the All Progressives Congress, including the party’s state chairman and key stakeholders from Edo Central Senatorial District.

During the visit, Governor Okpebholo described the invasion of the palace and the accompanying destruction as criminal acts, stressing that peaceful protests must never be used as an excuse for violence, vandalism or theft.

He noted that the state government has continued to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity, deploying technology-driven security operations across Edo North, Edo South and now Edo Central.

As part of these efforts, the governor referenced the recent rescue of nine kidnapped victims in Etsako West and the arrest of the suspects involved, highlighting the administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

Okpebholo warned that those behind the palace attack would be brought to justice, assuring that security agencies would act firmly against anyone exploiting public demonstrations to engage in criminal behaviour.

He added that, as an Esan man and a son of Ekpoma, he has a personal responsibility to ensure peace in the community and to see that all offenders are held accountable.

Speaking on the incident, the Onojie of Ekpoma described the attack as regrettable, alleging that many of the protesters appeared to be under the influence of drugs. He said he initially attempted to address the crowd but was unable to do so, after which the group later returned, forcibly gained access to the palace and wreaked havoc.

Governor Okpebholo reassured the monarch and residents of Ekpoma that enhanced security measures would soon be implemented to restore law and order across Edo Central and guarantee the safety of the people.