Edo protest: Okpebholo condemns attack on monarch’s palace

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has condemned the violent attack on the Onojie of Ekpoma’s palace, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, by protesters on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

The protesters, who were initially demonstrating peacefully against insecurity and kidnappings in the area, were hijacked by hoodlums who vandalized the palace, destroying vehicles, canopies, chairs, and cartons of Indomie noodles belonging to the Onojie’s wife.

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 disruption of commercial activities.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary of the Governor, Patrick Ebojele, the Governor, on Monday, accompanied by top officials, visited the palace to assess the damage and assured the traditional ruler and the community that those responsible would face justice.

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.

During the visit, the governor was taken around the palace and shown several items destroyed during the invasion. Vehicles within the palace compound were vandalized, while canopies and chairs were broken.

Cartons of Indomie noodles belonging to the Onojie’s wife, who trades in the product, were also destroyed. Doors and windows of the palace were damaged.

Okpebholo further emphasized that protests should never be used as a cover for criminal activities and that security forces would pursue the perpetrators with the same determination used to combat kidnappers.

“I want to thank Your Highness for the love you have shown to me and our people over the years.

“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, however, revealed that the government had been working on security measures, including a meeting earlier that week focused on Edo Central, especially Ekpoma, adding that the government has implemented tech-based security operations to boost safety.

“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 vandalize 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.

However, Okpebholo vowed to restore peace and order in Ekpoma and Edo Central, citing recent successes in security operations, including the rescue of nine kidnapped victims in Etsako West.

Emphasizing 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.”

The Onojie described the attack as unfortunate, alleging that many protesters were under the influence of illicit 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.

The Onojie said he tried to speak to the protesters when they first arrived but wasn’t allowed to.

He was later attending a security meeting with other leaders when they returned, forced their way in, and started causing destruction.

Governor Okpebholo promised the Onojie and the Ekpoma community that they are taking strong action to secure the area, and peace will be restored in Ekpoma and Edo Central.

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