Hoodlums invaded the palace of Etsu Nupe Lokoja, HRH Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Shelika, over the weekend, destroying properties and setting a vehicle ablaze.
The incident reportedly occurred around 1:00 AM on Saturday.
In recounting his experience, the Etsu Lokoja, HRH Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Shelika, Nyamkpa IV, expressed his astonishment at the attack.
The monarch noted that, despite the intervention of his neighbours, the flames consumed his car and other possessions within the palace.
He called upon the government and security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure that those responsible, along with their sponsors, are held accountable.
Furthermore, he urged the Nupe community in Lokoja to refrain from any retaliatory actions, encouraging them to maintain peace, adhere to the law, and allow the authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the attack.
Narrating the incident, Daily Trust quoted him as saying: “I had a big bang on my door, and I woke up to check through the window, wondering what could have happened. Then, I suddenly saw wild fire coming out of my car, as it had been set ablaze by attackers.”
“I knew it was an attack on the palace, and therefore, I could not come out because of fear of being attacked. So, I managed to come out through the back door and scaled the fence to escape for my life.
“I urge my people to remain as peaceful and law-abiding as we have always been, because this incident has drawn the attention of government to our issue.”
It was gathered that the Nupe Natives of Lokoja Development Union was planning to host the 2nd Edition of Nupe Natives end of the year event, tagged: “Lokoja ’24 Nupe Cultural Fiesta”, before the incident happened.
The Kogi Police Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Williams Aya, did not respond to calls and text messages when our correspondent attempted to reach him over the incident.