Suspected hoodlums, launched a violent attack on the palace of Etsu Lokoja, His Royal Highness Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Shelika, Nyamkpa IV, on Saturday, setting ablaze his vehicle and other properties within the premises.
The incident occurred around 1:00 a.m. at the monarch’s residence, located at Plot 306, New Layout, Lokoja.
The attackers reportedly burned the monarch’s car, forcing him to escape by scaling the fence to save his life.
Speaking to reporters at the scene on Monday, Dauda-Shelika recounted the harrowing experience.
“It was around 1:00 a.m. when I heard a loud bang on my door.
I looked through the window and saw my car engulfed in flames.
Realizing it was an attack, I fled through the back door and scaled the fence.
By the time I returned, neighbors were trying to extinguish the fire, but the car and other properties had been completely destroyed,” he said.
The attack occurred just days before the Nupe Natives of Lokoja Development Union’s planned 2nd Nupe Cultural Fiesta, which had to be canceled.
Many Nupe natives who had traveled from neighboring states for the event were left disappointed.
Dauda-Shelika called on the government and security agencies to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
“We appeal to His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, and security agencies to thoroughly investigate this unfortunate incident and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
This attack highlights the need for the government to officially recognize and grade the stool of Etsu Lokoja, which predates colonial times.
Recognition would prevent such incidents and ensure equity and fairness for the Nupe community in Lokoja,” the monarch said.
He urged members of the Nupe community to remain peaceful and law-abiding, avoiding any form of reprisal.
The Executive Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area, along with police, DSS, and NSCDC officials, conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the scene.
The monarch suggested the attack may have been linked to tensions surrounding the cultural fiesta and the Etsu Lokoja stool.
He noted that the Nupe community had invited all ethnic groups in Lokoja to the event, including the Maigari of Lokoja, who chairs the Lokoja Local Government Traditional Council.
However, the Maigari reportedly criticized the invitation, claiming it lacked royal courtesy and questioning the legitimacy of the Etsu Lokoja title.
National President of the Nupe Natives of Lokoja Union, Alhaji Abubakar Ndashite, lamented the cancellation of the cultural event and urged the government to ensure justice is served.
Efforts to obtain comments from the state police command and other security agencies were unsuccessful at the time of this report, as officials did not respond to calls or messages.
