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Suspected hoodlums had on Monday morning launched an assault on the palace of Etsu Lokoja, HRH Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Shelika, Nyamkpa IV, destroying his vehicle and damaging property within the compound.
The attack took place around 1:00 a.m. at the palace, located on plot 306, New Layout in Lokoja, where the assailants set fire to vehicles while the monarch narrowly escaped by climbing over the fence.
Reports indicate that the Nupe Natives of Lokoja Development Union were preparing for the “Lokoja ’24 Nupe Cultural Fiesta,” which was scheduled for December 21, 2024. However, the event was canceled following this unfortunate incident, despite many Nupe natives arriving from neighboring states the night before.
In an interview with our correspondent who visited the site on Monday, the monarch recounted, “I heard a loud bang on my door around 1 a.m. When I looked through the window, I saw flames coming from my car, which had been set on fire by attackers. Realizing it was a targeted attack, I didn’t dare go outside. Instead, I managed to escape through the back door and scaled the fence to save my life.”
Once outside, he observed that neighbors had gathered, attempting to extinguish the fire; however, the car and other belongings were lost.
Dauda-Shelika called on the government and security agencies to investigate the attack and hold accountable those responsible and their backers. He urged the Nupe community in Lokoja to refrain from any retaliation and to remain peaceful while allowing authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.
“We appeal to His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the security agencies to utilize their resources to investigate this disturbing incident and ensure justice is served to all involved, whether directly or indirectly,” he stated.
Additionally, he urged the government to recognize the Etsu Lokoja title, which has existed since before colonization. By formally acknowledging this position, he believes that community tensions could be alleviated, as neglect could lead to further incidents.
He remarked, “I encourage my people to maintain our longstanding peaceful nature. This incident should alert the government to our issues.”
Dauda-Shelika noted that the Executive Chairman of Lokoja LGA, along with security personnel from the Police, DSS, and NSCDC, conducted on-site assessments following the incident. The DPO from ‘A’ Division also visited to understand the circumstances. All authorities expressed strong condemnation of the attack, and the community has been asked to provide statements at the police station.
He emphasized that the Nupe people are generally law-abiding and not known for violence, stating, “No one in Lokoja would categorize the Nupe people as violent or lawbreakers. We are a community that welcomes everyone, which is why individuals from other tribes are interested in marrying our daughters.”
Commenting on the potential reasons for the attack, Dauda-Shelika observed that it might be linked to the planned Nupe Cultural Fiesta. He explained the event’s purpose and included invitations to various stakeholders, including local traditional leaders.
However, in a surprising turn of events, the Maigari of Lokoja, the leader of the Lokoja Local Government Traditional Council, declined the invitation, suggesting that the communication “lacked royal courtesy.”
Dauda-Shelika explained the significance of the Etsu Lokoja title, asserting that it predates colonialism and has existed alongside contemporary governance structures. He emphasized the need for state recognition and equitable treatment within the community.
He continued, “The cultural fiesta we planned was not a coronation, as misinterpreted by some. It was to celebrate our heritage. We conducted the installation of Etsu Lokoja earlier this year and a public reenactment; our intention is to keep communication open with the government regarding the need for recognition.”
Also expressing concern, the National President of the Nupe Natives of Lokoja Union, Alh. Abubakar Ndashite, clarified that the canceled event was meant to celebrate Nupe cultural heritage, not serve as a coronation, and he called for the government to hold those responsible for the attack accountable.
When our correspondent visited the palace, police officers declined to comment, citing a lack of authorization. Attempts to reach the state police command for further information were unsuccessful, as the public relations officer did not respond to calls or messages. Similarly, efforts to contact the Security Adviser yielded no responses at the time of this report.
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