Hoodlums attack Etsu Lokoja’s palace, disrupt Nupe cultural event

In a disturbing incident, suspected hoodlums attacked the palace of Etsu Lokoja, Chief Emmanuel Dauda-Shelika, Nyamkpa IV, in the early hours of Saturday, setting fire to properties within the premises, including a vehicle.

The attack occurred at around 1:00 am at the palace, located on Plot 306, New Layout, Lokoja.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the Lokoja community, especially among the Nupe natives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nupe Natives of Lokoja Development Union had been planning to host the second edition of their annual cultural event, tagged “Lokoja ’24 Nupe Cultural Fiesta,” scheduled for December 21, 2024. Unfortunately, the event was canceled following the attack.

Speaking to NAN on Monday, Chief Dauda-Shelika recounted the harrowing experience:

“I heard a big bang on my door at around 1:00 am,” he said, expressing his dismay at the level of destruction caused by the assailants.

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“I woke up to check through the window, wondering what could have happened.

“Then, I suddenly saw wildfire coming out of my car that was 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.

“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, but unfortunately the car was burnt as well as other properties inside it.”

The traditional ruler appealed to the government and security agencies to investigate the cause of the attack and bring perpetrators and their sponsors to justice.

He admonished Nupe natives in Lokoja to avoid any reprisal attack but continued to remain peaceful and law-abiding and allowed the government and security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation of the attack.

“We are appealing to Gov. Ahmed 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 the government to kindly visit our issues by recognising and grading the stool of Etsu Lokoja, which had been in existence before colonisation,” he said.

He stated that the Lokoja Local Government Area chairman and his security team came for an on-the-spot assessment that Saturday morning, as well as the police and other security outfits.

The National President, Nupe Natives Union Lokoja, Alh. Abubakar Ndashite said the event scheduled for Saturday was a celebration of Nupe cultural heritage and not any form of coronation as being insinuated from some quarters.

Ndashite, who doubles as the chairman of the planning committee, said the aborted event was to project the Nupe spirit and culture as well as the rich history of the diversely composed Lokoja community and the peaceful and harmonious coexistence among her.

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.

(NAN)