Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has condemned the attack on the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, His Royal Highness, Zaiki Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II, by anti-kidnapping protesters on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
The protesters blocked major highways and allegedly engaged in widespread destruction of property including that of the traditional rulers and family.
The governor condemned the attack during a visit to the palace of the traditional ruler to personally assess the damage allegedly caused by the protesters who had invaded the palace under the guise of expressing grievances over insecurity.
Okpebholo was taken round the palace and shown several items destroyed during the invasion.
Properties vandalised within the palace compound are vehicles, canopies, chairs, cartons of Indomie noodles belonging to Enojie’s wife, who trades in the product, and doors and windows of the palace.
While describing the invasion of the palace and the looting of property as criminal and unacceptable, the Governor opined that protests must never be used as an excuse for lawlessness.
“I want to thank Your Highness for the love you have shown to our people and me 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”, he said.
The Governor, who disclosed that a security meeting was held earlier in the week with a strong focus on Edo Central Senatorial District, particularly the Ekpoma axis, added that the government had rolled out strategic, technology-driven security operations.
According to him, “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, however, warned that those who hijacked the protest to vandalise the palace and loot property would be brought to justice.
He alleged that the perpetrators came under the guise of protest and sentiments, then resorted to looting and violence.
“This is unacceptable. We will go after them the same way we are going after kidnappers. Nobody should test our patience,.
“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”, he assured.
Okpebholo who also assured the traditional ruler and the people of Ekpoma that decisive security operations were imminent, added that peace, law, and order would be fully restored in the community and across Edo Central.
Earlier, the Onojie Zaiki Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II, described the incident as unfortunate, alleging that many of the 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.
“I attempted to address the protesters when they first arrived but was prevented from doing so. But, they later returned while I was away attending a security meeting with other traditional rulers, forced their way into the palace, and unleashed violence”, he added.