By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Property worths millions of naira was destroyed over the weekend when some suspected hoodlums
attacked the palace of Etsu Lokoja, HRH Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Shelika, Nyamkpa IV, burning his vehicle and properties within the premises.
The palace which was located on plot 306, New Layout, Lokoja, was allegedly attacked by hoodlums at about 1:00am on Saturday, and burnt his vehicles while the monarch narrowly escaped by scaling the fence.
Our reporter gathered that 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”, on Dec. 21, 2024, before the incident occurred.
The event was however aborted due to the unfortunate attack at early hour on Saturday around 1:00am, when many Nupe natives from neighboring States had started arriving on the eve of the event.
Narrating his ordeal to our Reporter, the Etsu Lokoja, HRH Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Shelika, Nyamkpa IV, said: “It was around 1 am at night that 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 ablazed 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.”
“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 recognizing and grading the stool of Etsu Lokoja which had been in existence before colonisation.
He noted that the Executive Chairman of Lokoja LGA and his security apparatus came for on-the-spot assessment that Saturday morning as well as the Police, DSS and NSCDC.
He expressed his displeasure over the aborted cultural event, noting that the union had expended so much on it, and urged the government to bring perpetrators to book.
