Edo Govt Moves to Rebuild Ekpoma Shops After Fire Outbreak, Tightens Security
The Edo State Government has announced plans to immediately rebuild shops destroyed by a fire outbreak at the Ekpoma Police Division, following heightened tension in the area linked to recent security challenges.
Governor Monday Okpebholo made the commitment during an on-the-spot assessment of the damage to the affected shops, which were reportedly constructed by the Police Officers’ Wives Association.
The visit came amid public concern over a string of violent incidents in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.
Addressing traders whose livelihoods were wiped out by the blaze, the governor expressed sympathy and assured them of rapid intervention, while also signalling a renewed security clampdown on those behind the unrest.
“A lot of things are happening here now. But we are going after them,” he said.
Okpebholo rejected narratives linking the attacks in the area to Fulani herdsmen, describing such claims as misleading.
According to him, preliminary security findings point to politically motivated actors attempting to destabilise the community.
“They are killing our people, with the name they are Fulanis. They are not Fulanis. They are political elements. We have started arresting them,” he stated.
Reinforcing the administration’s stance on accountability, the governor stressed that no individual would be shielded from justice, regardless of status or personal ties.
“There’s nothing to fear. Our people will not suffer for nothing. No matter how highly placed they are, we will go after all of them. I will not listen to anybody when the time comes.
“Even if it were my own father involved in kidnapping, violence, or destruction, he would be brought to justice. No one is above the law,” he warned.
As part of immediate relief measures, Okpebholo disclosed that reconstruction work on the destroyed shops would commence within days, adding that the government would also support affected traders to restock their businesses.
“Between now and Friday, they will come and start building this place for you people. After the building, we will take inventory so that you will return to your shops without going to borrow from the bank,” he said.
Two of the victims, Mr. Israel Ughulu and Prof. Aghemelo Austin Thomas, who spoke on behalf of the shop owners, said they were caught in a crisis they had no prior knowledge of. Ughulu recounted how the fire broke out late at night and spread with alarming speed.
He said, “At about twelve midnight, we got a call that our shops were on fire. In less than 30 seconds, the whole building went down. We watched our properties burn until about 5 a.m. without any help.”
The traders described the governor’s visit as unprecedented, recalling that a similar fire incident occurred about two years ago on another section of the market without attracting comparable government attention.
The governor was accompanied by key security and government officials, including the Commissioner for Public Security and Safety, Hon. Ebea Festus Odianosen; the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika; and the Commander of the 4-Brigade of the Nigerian Army, General Ahmed Olatunboju.
Meanwhile, Ekpoma has remained tense since a protest over insecurity last Saturday escalated into violence. What began as a peaceful demonstration against kidnappings and the killing of a youth was reportedly hijacked by hoodlums, who attacked traders at the livestock market, killing goats, injuring cattle, and vandalising property.
The palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, was also attacked, an act the governor strongly condemned.
The Edo State Police Command confirmed that one person was shot by a soldier during the unrest. Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said the matter had been referred to military authorities for investigation.
Large crowds gathered during the governor’s visit to the affected area, with residents expressing cautious optimism that the promised reconstruction and security measures would restore calm and economic activity in the community.
