Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has pledged that the state government will rebuild the shops destroyed by fire at the Ekpoma Police Division.
The governor made the promise during a visit to the police station to inspect the extent of damage to the shops, which were reportedly built by the Police Officers’ Wives Association.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Okpebholo assured the affected traders of swift government intervention alongside renewed security measures.
Addressing shop owners at the scene, the governor expressed deep concern over the incident, noting that recent developments in Ekpoma suggest a pattern of coordinated attacks in the area.
“A lot is happening here at the moment, but we are going after those responsible,” he said.
Okpebholo dismissed claims linking the attacks to Fulani herdsmen, insisting instead that they were carried out by political actors seeking to destabilise the community.
“They are killing our people under the guise of being Fulani herdsmen. They are not Fulanis; they are political elements. We have already begun making arrests,” he stated.
He further reassured residents that there was no cause for fear, stressing that no individual would be shielded from justice, regardless of status or relationship.
“No matter how highly placed they are, we will pursue them. Even if it were my own father involved in kidnapping, violence or destruction, he would face justice. No one is above the law,” the governor warned.
Okpebholo was accompanied by senior 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, among others.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the affected traders, Mr Israel Ughulu and Prof Aghemelo Austin Thomas said the victims felt unfairly targeted over an issue they had no prior knowledge of.
Ughulu explained that the fire broke out around midnight and spread rapidly, leaving shop owners helpless.
“At about midnight, we received a call that our shops were on fire. In less than 30 seconds, the entire building was engulfed. We watched our properties burn until about 5 a.m. without any assistance,” he said.
The traders described the governor’s visit as unprecedented, noting that a similar incident occurred about two years ago on the opposite side of the shops without such high-level attention.
Large crowds gathered as the governor toured the affected area, with residents praising the prompt response and assurances from the state government.
In a major relief to the victims, Okpebholo announced that reconstruction work would commence within the week. He urged the traders to remain calm, assuring them that government support would extend beyond rebuilding the structures.
“Between now and Friday, contractors will move in to begin reconstruction. After that, we will take inventory so you can return to your shops without having to borrow from banks,” he said.
The area has remained tense following a crisis that erupted after a peaceful protest against insecurity on Saturday turned violent. Hoodlums reportedly hijacked the demonstration, attacking traders at the livestock market, killing goats and injuring cattle, incidents captured in a viral video.
The attackers also vandalised the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, an action strongly condemned by the governor.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed that one person was shot by a soldier, adding that the matter had been referred to military authorities.
The unrest began in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, when residents staged a protest over rising insecurity, including kidnappings and the killing of a youth on Friday night. The protesters blocked a major highway, but the situation later degenerated after youths hijacked the protest and attacked traders at the livestock market.