The Etsu Lokoja, HRH Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Shelika, Nyamkpa IV, has recounted how he narrowly escaped an attack on his palace by scaling a fence.
The incident occurred around 1:00 am on Saturday when suspected hoodlums stormed his residence at Plot 306, New Layout, Lokoja, setting his vehicle and other property on fire.
The attack disrupted plans for the second edition of the “Lokoja ‘24 Nupe Cultural Fiesta,” which had been scheduled for the same day.
The event, organized by the Nupe natives of Lokoja Development Union, had attracted participants from neighbouring states, but the violence forced its cancellation.
Speaking to reporters who visited the scene on Monday, the monarch detailed the harrowing experience.
“It was around 1 am at night that I heard a big bang on my door and I woke up to check through the window, wondering what could have happened. Then, I suddenly saw wildfire coming out of my car as it had been set ablaze by attackers.
“I knew it was an attack on the palace and 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 save my life. Thereafter, I came out to the road and realised that all my neighbours in the community were on the ground trying hard to quench the fire. Unfortunately, the car was burnt as well as other property inside it.”
The Etsu Lokoja disclosed that the cultural fiesta’s planning committee had concluded a meeting late on Friday night, and he lamented that the event could not proceed due to the attack.
He called on the government and security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible, along with their sponsors, are brought to justice.
He further urged members of the Nupe community to remain peaceful and avoid retaliation.
“We are appealing to His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and security agencies to please use their good offices to investigate this unfortunate incident and bring to justice whoever is concerned, whether directly or indirectly.
“We also want government to kindly visit our issues by recognising and grading the stool of Etsu Lokoja, which had been in existence before colonisation. By officially recognising and grading Etsu Lokoja stool, we know everything will be laid to rest because that is the power of the government,” he added.
When reporters visited the palace, a police officer present declined to comment, citing a lack of authorization.
Efforts to contact the state police command’s spokesperson, SP William Aya, were unsuccessful, as he neither answered calls nor responded to text messages.
Similarly, the Security Adviser to the state governor did not respond to inquiries.
