Suspected hoodlums attacked the palace of Etsu Lokoja, Emmanuel Dauda-Shelika, Nyamkpa, in the early hours of Saturday, setting fire to property within the party premises, including a vehicle.
The attack, which occurred around 1:00 a.m. at the palace located on Plot 306, New Layout, Lokoja, disrupted plans for a major cultural event.
The Nupe Natives of Lokoja Development Union had been preparing for the 2nd edition of the Lokoja ’24 Nupe Cultural Fiesta, a celebration of Nupe heritage, slated for December 21, 2024. However, the event was canceled following the attack.
Dauda-Shelika recounted the harrowing experience on Monday, explaining that he was awakened by a loud bang at his door. Looking out the window, he saw his car engulfed in flames, which he quickly realized was part of a targeted attack on the palace. Fearing for his safety, the traditional ruler escaped through the back door and scaled the fence to avoid being harmed. Neighbours in the community attempted to put out the fire, but the vehicle and other property inside the palace were destroyed.
The Etsu Lokoja called on the government and security agencies to investigate the attack, urging that the perpetrators and their sponsors be brought to justice. He also appealed to the Nupe natives in Lokoja to refrain from retaliatory actions, advising them to remain peaceful and allow the authorities to carry out a thorough investigation.
In his appeal, Dauda-Shelika also requested the government to recognize and grade the stool of Etsu Lokoja, which has existed since before colonial times. He thanked the Lokoja LGA chairman, along with the police and other security agencies, who visited the palace on Saturday morning for an on-the-spot assessment of the damage.
“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 scale 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,” Mr Dauda-Shelika explained.
“We are appealing to Governor 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,” the traditional ruler said.
However, Abubakar Ndashite, the national president of the Nupe Natives Union Lokoja, expressed disappointment over the cancellation of the cultural event, noting that it was meant to showcase the Nupe people’s rich cultural heritage and highlight the harmonious coexistence in Lokoja. He emphasized that the event was not a coronation, as some had mistakenly believed, and lamented the financial resources already spent on the event. Ndashite called for the prompt apprehension of those responsible for the attack.
