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Ekpoma Protest: Okpebholo Visits Monarch, Condemns Palace Attack
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has strongly condemned the attack on the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, His Royal Highness Zaiki Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II, following a protest in the town that led to the blockage of a major highway and widespread destruction of property.
The governor made the condemnation during a visit to the palace a day after the incident, where he personally inspected the damage allegedly caused by protesters who invaded the traditional institution while expressing grievances over insecurity.
Okpebholo was accompanied by senior government officials, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including the state chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, Edo Central Senatorial leader, General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd), and other party stakeholders.
During the inspection, the governor was shown several items damaged during the invasion. Vehicles within the palace compound were vandalised, while canopies, chairs, doors, and windows were destroyed. Cartons of Indomie noodles belonging to the monarch’s wife, who trades in the product, were also damaged.
Describing the incident as criminal and unacceptable, Okpebholo stressed that protests must not be used as a cover for violence, looting, or attacks on revered institutions.
He thanked the monarch for his longstanding commitment to peace and unity, noting that insecurity, particularly kidnapping, remains a nationwide challenge. According to the governor, the Federal Government has taken decisive steps to strengthen security, including withdrawing police personnel from VIP duties to boost operations against criminal elements.
The governor disclosed that a security meeting held earlier in the week focused on Edo Central Senatorial District, especially the Ekpoma axis, adding that the state had deployed strategic and technology-driven security operations across the region.
“We have carried out operations in Edo North and Edo South, and now Edo Central. The results are already showing. In Etsako West, nine kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt, and the perpetrators were arrested,” he said.
He warned that those who hijacked the protest to vandalise the palace and loot property would be identified and prosecuted, stressing that the government would treat such acts with the same seriousness as kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Emphasising his personal connection to the area, Okpebholo said he would not allow insecurity to thrive in Ekpoma or Esan land, assuring residents that decisive actions would follow and that no one involved in criminal activities would be spared.
In his remarks, the Onojie of Ekpoma described the incident as unfortunate, alleging that many of the protesters were under the influence of illicit drugs. He said attempts to address the protesters were initially blocked, and that they later returned while he was away at a security meeting, forcefully invading the palace and unleashing violence.
Meanwhile, former presidential aspirant and Edo governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Patience Ndidi Ofure-Key, raised concerns over worsening insecurity in Ekpoma, linking the protest to repeated kidnapping incidents that have instilled fear among residents and students of Ambrose Alli University.
In a statement, Ofure-Key said the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government, warning that neglect and inaction often fuel anger, tension, and unrest. While condemning violence and lawlessness, she said public frustration is understandable when peaceful appeals for safety are ignored.
She also expressed concern over reports of security operatives raiding student hostels and arresting protesters, cautioning against intimidation and indiscriminate arrests. Ofure-Key urged authorities to focus on tackling criminals, release those arrested solely for protesting, and present a clear, transparent security action plan for Ekpoma.
She called for immediate and coordinated security measures, accountability in the use of security funds, and collaboration among government, security agencies, university management, and community leaders to restore peace and confidence in the area.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.