Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has promised to rebuild shops destroyed by fire at the Ekpoma Police Division, assuring affected traders of swift government intervention and improved security.
The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday during a visit to the police station to assess the damage to the shops, which were built by the Police Officers’ Wives Association. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Okpebholo expressed sympathy with the victims and pledged immediate action.
Addressing shop owners at the scene, the governor said he was deeply saddened by the incident, noting that recent developments in Ekpoma suggested coordinated attacks in the area.
“A lot of things are happening here now, but we are going after them,” he said.
Okpebholo dismissed claims that the attackers were Fulani herdsmen, describing them instead as political elements seeking to destabilise the community.
“They are killing our people in the name of being Fulanis. They are not Fulanis; they are political elements. We have started arresting them,” he stated.
He assured residents that no one involved in criminal activities would be shielded, regardless of status or relationship.
“No matter how highly placed they are, we will go after them. Even if it were my own father involved in kidnapping, violence or destruction, he would be brought to justice. No one is above the law,” the governor said.
The governor was accompanied by top government and security officials, including the Commissioner for Public Security and Safety, Hon. Ebea Festus Odianosen; the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika; and the Commander of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Olatunboju.
Speaking on behalf of the affected traders, Mr. Israel Ughulu and Prof. Aghemelo Austin Thomas said the victims felt unfairly targeted over issues they knew nothing about. Ughulu explained that the fire broke out around midnight and spread rapidly.
“At about 12 midnight, we received a call that our shops were on fire. In less than 30 seconds, the entire building went down. We watched our properties burn until about 5 a.m. without any help,” he said.
The traders described the governor’s visit as unprecedented, noting that a similar incident had occurred about two years ago without such high-level attention.
In a major relief to the victims, Okpebholo announced that reconstruction of the affected shops would begin within the week. He added that the government would also take inventory of lost items to ensure traders could resume business without financial hardship.
“Between now and Friday, they will start rebuilding this place. After that, we will take inventory so you can return to your shops without going to borrow from the bank,” he said.
The incident occurred amid ongoing unrest in Ekpoma following a protest over insecurity that turned violent on Saturday. Hoodlums reportedly hijacked the protest, attacked traders at the livestock market, vandalised the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, and destroyed property.
The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed that one person was shot by a soldier during the unrest, adding that the matter had been referred to military authorities.
The crisis began after residents protested rising insecurity, including kidnappings and the killing of a youth on Friday night, before the demonstration was overtaken by violence.
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