Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has pledged that the state government will take full responsibility for rebuilding the shops destroyed by fire at the Ekpoma Police Division. The Governor made this commitment during a direct visit to the scene to assess the extent of the damage to the structures, which were originally built by the Police Officers’ Wives Association.
In a statement shared with Reports on Tuesday, the Governor offered strong words of comfort to the affected traders, promising both swift construction and a significant security crackdown. Addressing the shop owners personally, Okpebholo expressed his pain over the destruction, suggesting that recent unrest in Ekpoma appears to be part of a calculated attempt to cause chaos in the state.
The Governor was quick to address rumors surrounding the identity of the attackers. He dismissed claims that Fulani herdsmen were behind the violence, instead pinning the blame on “political elements” intent on destabilizing the region. He revealed that arrests have already begun and warned that the law would catch up with anyone involved, regardless of their status or family ties. He stated emphatically that even if his own father were linked to such destruction or kidnapping, he would face justice without hesitation.
During the visit, the Governor was joined by top security officials, including the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, and the Commander of the 4-Brigade Nigerian Army, General Ahmed Olatunboju. Their presence underscored the government’s resolve to restore order to a town that has been on edge since a peaceful protest over insecurity was hijacked by hoodlums on Saturday.
Speaking for the victims, Mr. Israel Ughulu and Prof. Aghemelo Austin Thomas shared their heartbreak, explaining how they watched their livelihoods go up in flames in a matter of minutes during the midnight fire. They expressed surprise and gratitude for the Governor’s visit, noting that a similar incident years ago did not receive such high-level attention.
To the relief of the gathered crowd, Governor Okpebholo announced that reconstruction would start before the end of the week. He further promised that the government would take an inventory of lost goods to help traders get back on their feet without the burden of bank loans. As normalcy slowly returns, the state remains focused on identifying the individuals who turned a genuine public grievance into an excuse for looting, vandalism, and the attack on the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma.
