By IMELDA OSAYANDE

Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo has condemned the attack on the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II, by protesters in Ekpoma.

This is contained in a statement signed by Dr Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor on Monday in Benin.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor’s condemnation came after he visited the palace to personally assess the damage allegedly caused by the protesters.

The protesters had allegedly invaded the palace under the guise of expressing grievances over insecurity.

Okpebholo was accompanied by the Edo State Commissioner of Police, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), state chairman and other party stakeholders.

According the statement, vehicles within the palace compound were vandalised, while canopies and chairs were broken. Cartons of Indomie noodles belonging to the Onojie’s wife, who trades in the product, were also destroyed.

Doors and windows of the palace were also damaged.

Okpebholo described the invasion of the palace and the looting of property as criminal and unacceptable, stressing that protests must never be used as an excuse for lawlessness.

He disclosed that a security meeting was held earlier in the week with a strong focus on Edo Central Senatorial District, particularly the Ekpoma axis.

Okpebholo added that the government had rolled out strategic, technology-driven security operations.

The Governor warned that those who hijacked the protest to vandalise the palace and loot property would be brought to justice.

“I want to thank Your Highness for the love you have shown to me and our people over the years.

“They came under the guise of protest and sentiments, then resorted to looting and violence. This is unacceptable.

“We will go after them the same way we are going after kidnappers. Nobody should test our patience.

“I am an Esan man and I got my highest votes here in Ekpoma. I will not allow bad things to happen in this land. In the coming days, our actions will speak for themselves. Nobody involved in this criminality will be spared,” he said.

He assured the traditional ruler and the people of Ekpoma that decisive security operations were imminent.

He noted that peace, law, and order would be fully restored in the community and across Edo Central.

Earlier, the Onojie Abumere II, described the incident as unfortunate, alleging that many of the protesters were under the influence of illicit drugs.

“What transpired was very sad. Many of them were under the influence of drugs. If not for God’s intervention, something worse would have happened,” he said.

He explained that he attempted to address the protesters when they first arrived but was prevented from doing so.

According to him, the protesters later returned while he was away attending a security meeting with other traditional rulers, forced their way into the palace, and unleashed violence. (NAN)