Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Monday evening visited Ekpoma to assess the damage caused by an overnight fire that razed several shops constructed by the Police Officers’ Wives Association, assuring affected traders of immediate government intervention and enhanced security action.
Naijaonpoint reports that the governor described the incident as disturbing, linking it to what he called a pattern of violence and sabotage in the area.
Speaking to shop owners at the scene, Okpebholo said he was deeply pained by the development, noting that recent incidents in Ekpoma suggested coordinated attacks.
“A lot of things are happening here now. But we are going after them,” he said.
The governor dismissed claims that the perpetrators were Fulani herdsmen, insisting instead that political elements were behind the attacks.
“They are killing our people, with the name they are Fulanis. They are not Fulanis. They are political elements. We have started arresting them,” he stated.
He added that the burning of the shops followed the same pattern as previous incidents, warning that those responsible would not know peace, regardless of their status.
“There’s nothing to fear. Our people will not suffer for nothing. No matter how highly placed they are, we will go after all of them. I will not listen to anybody when the time comes,” he said.
In a stern warning, Okpebholo added, “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.”
Earlier, two shop owners, Israel Ughulu and Aghemelo Austin Thomas, who spoke on behalf of the victims, said they felt victimised over an issue they knew nothing about.
Ughulu said the fire started around midnight and spread rapidly.
“At about twelve midnight, we got a call that our shops were on fire. In less than 30 seconds, the whole 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 occurred about two years ago without such high-level attention.
Addressing the victims, the governor announced that reconstruction of the affected shops would commence within the week, urging traders to remain calm.
“Between now and Friday, they will come and start building this place for you people. After the building, we will take inventory so that you will return to your shops without going to borrow from the bank,” he assured.
Okpebholo 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, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Olatunboju.
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