Hoodlums attacked the palace of Etsu Nupe Lokoja, HRH Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Shelika, Nyamkpa IV over the weekend, setting one of his vehicles ablaze.
The assailants reportedly struck around 1:00 AM on Saturday.
Reflecting on his harrowing experience, Etsu Lokoja, HRH Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Shelika, Nyamkpa IV, described how the sudden attack caught him off guard.
“I heard a loud bang on my door and woke up to investigate through the window, unsettled by the commotion. To my shock, I saw flames engulfing my car; it had been set on fire by the attackers.”
“Realizing it was a direct assault on the palace, I felt compelled to stay inside for fear of another attack. I managed to escape out the back door and scale the fence to save my life,” he recounted.
Despite the efforts of his neighbors, the fire destroyed his car and other belongings within the palace.
The monarch called on the government and security agencies to thoroughly investigate the attack and bring the perpetrators and their sponsors to justice.
He urged the Nupe community in Lokoja to refrain from any form of reprisal, advising them to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and to allow the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.
“I encourage my people to maintain the peace and lawfulness we have always upheld, as this incident has drawn governmental attention to our plight.”
It was reported that the Nupe Natives of Lokoja Development Union had been planning the second edition of their year-end event, titled “Lokoja ’24 Nupe Cultural Fiesta,” prior to this incident.
Attempts to reach SP Williams Aya, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kogi Police Command, for comment on the incident went unanswered.
