What began as an ordinary night in Ekpoma quickly turned into a devastating morning for traders whose livelihoods went up in flames.
By dawn, rows of shops near the Ekpoma Police Division were reduced to ashes, leaving business owners confused, frightened, and searching for answers.
The incident has now drawn the full attention of the Edo State Government.
Governor Steps In After Fire Guts Police-Affiliated Shops
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, visited the Ekpoma Police Division to see firsthand the damage caused by the fire that destroyed shops built by the Police Officers’ Wives Association.
Standing among the ruins, the governor assured affected traders that the state government would take responsibility for rebuilding the shops and restoring normalcy.
According to a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary on Tuesday, the governor promised immediate intervention and stronger security measures to prevent a repeat of such incidents.
“This Pain Is Personal,” Governor Tells Shop Owners
Addressing traders directly at the scene, Okpebholo said the incident deeply affected him, especially given the growing pattern of violence and destruction in Ekpoma.
He stressed that the government was already taking action against those responsible.
“A lot of things are happening here now, but we are going after them,” the governor said firmly, signaling a tougher stance on insecurity in the area.
Governor Rejects Fulani Herdsmen Narrative
The governor was clear in dismissing claims that Fulani herdsmen were behind the attacks.
Instead, he described the perpetrators as political actors attempting to destabilise the community.
“They are killing our people and calling them Fulanis. They are not Fulanis. They are political elements,” he said, adding that arrests had already begun.
He went further to reassure residents that no one involved would be shielded, regardless of status or personal connections.
“No One Is Above the Law,” Okpebholo Warns
In a strong warning, the governor emphasized that justice would be served without favoritism.
“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,” he said.
He added that even if a close family member were involved in crimes such as kidnapping or destruction, they would still face justice.
Heavy Security Presence Signals Serious Government Response
The governor was not alone during the visit.
He was accompanied by key security and government officials, including the Commissioner for Public Security and Safety, Hon. Ebea Festus Odianosen; the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika; and the Commander of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, General Ahmed Olatunboju.
Their presence underscored the seriousness with which the state is treating the crisis.
Victims Share Harrowing Night of the Fire
Two shop owners, Mr. Israel Ughulu and Prof. Aghemelo Austin Thomas, spoke on behalf of the victims, saying they felt punished for an issue they had no knowledge of.
Ughulu recounted how the fire started around midnight and spread with terrifying speed.
“Within 30 seconds, the whole building was gone,” he said.
“We watched everything burn until about 5 a.m. without any help.”
Governor’s Visit Brings Rare Comfort to Traders
Many of the shop owners described the governor’s visit as unprecedented.
They noted that a similar fire incident occurred about two years earlier on the opposite side of the shops, but it did not attract such high-level attention or immediate assurances.
As the governor toured the area, large crowds gathered, with residents praising the speed of his response and the promises made to the victims.
Rebuilding to Begin Within Days
In a major relief to the affected traders, Okpebholo announced that reconstruction of the destroyed shops would begin within the week.
“Between now and Friday, they will come and start building this place for you,” he told the traders.
He also assured them that the government would help take inventory of their losses so they could return to business without resorting to bank loans.
How a Peaceful Protest Turned Violent
The fire incident is tied to a broader crisis that erupted in Ekpoma after a peaceful protest against insecurity on Saturday turned chaotic.
Hoodlums hijacked the protest, attacked traders at the livestock market, killed goats, injured cows, and vandalised properties.
Some of these scenes were captured in videos that later went viral.
Attack on Royal Palace Sparks Outrage
The violence escalated further with an attack on the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II.
The governor strongly condemned the act, describing it as unacceptable and dangerous to the community’s cultural stability.
Police Confirm Casualty, Military Steps In
Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed that one person was shot by a soldier during the unrest.
She added that the matter had been officially referred to military authorities for investigation.
Roots of the Crisis: Insecurity and Public Anger
The unrest began when residents of Ekpoma, in Esan West Local Government Area, protested rising insecurity, including frequent kidnappings and the killing of a youth on Friday night.
Protesters blocked a major highway to draw attention to their plight before the situation spiraled out of control.
What’s Next?
With reconstruction set to begin and arrests already underway, attention now shifts to whether the government’s promises will translate into lasting peace and accountability.
For traders who lost everything, the hope is not just for new shops, but for real security that allows them to rebuild their lives without fear.
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