Suspected Hoodlums Attack Etsu Lokoja’s Palace, Set Vehicle and Properties Ablaze
From: Our Correspondent, Lokoja.
On Saturday, 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, located on Plot 306, New Layout, Lokoja, was allegedly attacked around 1:00 AM. During the incident, the attackers set his vehicles ablaze while the monarch narrowly escaped by scaling the fence.
Our reporter gathered that the Nupe Natives of Lokoja Development Union was in the process of preparing for the second edition of the “Lokoja ’24 Nupe Cultural Fiesta,” scheduled for December 21, 2024, when the attack occurred. Unfortunately, the event was canceled due to this incident, which took place just as many Nupe natives from neighboring states were arriving in Lokoja.
Describing the ordeal to our reporter who visited the scene on Monday, Etsu Lokoja, HRH Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Shelika, Nyamkpa IV, recounted, “Around 1 AM, I heard a loud bang on my door. I woke up and checked through the window to see what was happening, only to find flames coming from my car, which had been set ablaze by the attackers.
“I realized this was an attack on the palace, and out of fear of being harmed, I could not come out immediately. Instead, I managed to exit through the back door and scaled the fence to escape for my life.
“When I emerged onto the road, I noticed that many of my neighbors were trying desperately to extinguish the fire. Unfortunately, my car and other properties inside it were completely destroyed.”
He went on to explain that members of the planning committee for the cultural event had met until about 11:30 PM on Friday before returning to their homes, expressing regret that the cultural fiesta was canceled due to this unfortunate incident.
Dauda-Shelika appealed to the government and security agencies to investigate the attack and bring the perpetrators and their sponsors to justice. He urged the Nupe natives in Lokoja to refrain from any form of reprisal and to maintain peace, allowing the government and security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
“We appeal to His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and security agencies to utilize their resources to investigate this unfortunate event and bring those responsible—whether directly or indirectly—to justice. Additionally, we request that the government recognizes and formally grades the stool of Etsu Lokoja, which has existed since before colonization.
“Recognizing and grading the Etsu Lokoja stool will help resolve many issues we face, as government acknowledgment is vital. If the government remains silent, it may inadvertently encourage further incidents like this. We hope to prevent such occurrences in the future,” Dauda-Shelika added.
He reported that the Executive Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area and his security team conducted an on-the-spot assessment the morning following the attack, along with representatives from the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
“The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of A Division also came with his team to assess the situation upon hearing about the incident. All parties condemned the attack in strong terms. We have also been invited to the police station to provide our statements,” Dauda-Shelika clarified.
He affirmed that the Nupe people are known for their law-abiding nature and are not associated with violence. “No one in Lokoja would classify the Nupe people as violent or lawbreakers. We are known for our hospitality and accommodation of other tribes.”
Regarding the possible motive behind the attack, Dauda-Shelika suggested: “It’s important to state clearly that Lokoja is traditionally Nupe. We were planning our annual Nupe Cultural Fiesta, as we did last year. We sent out invitations to all relevant stakeholders, including the media and security agencies, and extended invitations to other ethnic groups in Lokoja, such as the Ebira, Yoruba, Oworo, Igala, and Igbo communities to join us in celebrating our culture.
“We also invited the Maigari of Lokoja, the Chairman of the Lokoja Local Government Traditional Council, to be the Special Royal Father of the day. However, instead of accepting our invitation, the Maigari responded, stating that our letter lacked royal courtesy because we did not include the Chairman of the Lokoja Traditional Council.
“The Maigari further claimed that there is no such position as ‘Etsu Lokoja.’ We find this perplexing, as our lineage and traditional governance have existed long before colonization, and we have a well-established method of self-governance.”
