Gunmen invade palace, as Monarch jump fence to escape

It was tragic scene at the place of Etsu Lokoja, HRH Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Shelika, Nyamkpa IV when the monarch narrowly escaped a violent attack on his palace by scaling a fence in the early hours of Saturday.

According to reports, the incident, which occurred in the midnight, saw the monarch’s car and other properties set ablaze by suspected hoodlums.

____The palace, situated at Plot 306, New Layout, Lokoja, was targeted just hours before the planned “Lokoja ‘24 Nupe Cultural Fiesta,” a major event organized by the Nupe natives of Lokoja Development Union.

____The celebration, which was intended to showcase Nupe culture, was subsequently canceled following the attack.

While speaking to reporters on Monday, the Etsu Lokoja recounted the terrifying moment he realized his life was in danger.

“It was around 1 a.m. when I heard a loud bang on my door. Looking through the window, I saw flames consuming my car outside.

_____”That was when I knew the palace was under attack,” he said.

_””’Fearing for his life, the monarch said he escaped through the back door and scaled the fence into safety.

“When I got to the road, I saw my neighbors trying to extinguish the fire, but it was too late. My car and several properties were completely destroyed.”

“”______The Nupe community in Lokoja and surrounding states had been preparing for the cultural fiesta, which had drawn visitors from neighboring regions.

Members of the planning committee reportedly held a meeting until late Friday night, leaving just hours before the attack unfolded.

______The Etsu Lokoja expressed deep regret over the incident, describing the cancellation of the event as a significant loss for the Nupe community.

The monarch appealed to the government and security agencies to thoroughly investigate the attack, urging that the perpetrators and their sponsors be brought to justice.

“”””____He also implored the Nupe community to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions.

“We are appealing to His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and security agencies to investigate this unfortunate incident.

We want those responsible, whether directly or indirectly, to face justice,” he said.

_____The Etsu Lokoja also called for the official recognition and grading of his stool, which he believes could help prevent further unrest.

___When contacted, a police officer present at the scene declined to comment, stating he was not authorized to speak on the matter. Efforts to reach the state police command and Advertisements