Ekpoma Fire: Governor Okpebholo Visits Scene Promises Crackdown on ‘Political Saboteurs’

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Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, visited Ekpoma on Monday evening to inspect the damage caused by an overnight fire that destroyed several shops built by the Police Officers’ Wives Association. He assured affected traders of swift government intervention and enhanced security measures.

Gossip News Now reports that the governor described the incident as alarming and suggested it forms part of a recurring pattern of violence and sabotage in the area.

Speaking to shop owners at the site, Okpebholo expressed deep concern over the attack, noting that recent events in Ekpoma indicated coordinated efforts to destabilize the community.

“A lot of things are happening here now. But we are going after them,” he said.

The governor rejected claims that Fulani herdsmen were behind the fire, insisting that political actors were responsible.

“They are killing our people, and they are being blamed on Fulanis. They are not Fulanis; they are political elements. We have already begun making arrests,” he stated.

Okpebholo added that the pattern of the fire mirrored previous attacks and warned that perpetrators would face justice, regardless of their status.

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“There is nothing to fear. Our people will not suffer in vain. No matter how highly placed they are, we will pursue all of them. I will not listen to anyone when the time comes,” he said.

In a stern warning, the governor emphasized, “Even if it were my own father involved in kidnapping, violence, or destruction, he would be brought to justice. No one is above the law.”

Earlier, two shop owners, Israel Ughulu and Aghemelo Austin Thomas, representing the victims, said they were blindsided by the fire, having no prior knowledge of any dispute.

Ughulu said the fire began around midnight and quickly consumed the properties.

“At about twelve midnight, we got a call that our shops were on fire. In less than 30 seconds, the entire building was gone. We watched our properties burn until about 5 a.m. without any assistance,” he recounted.

The traders described the governor’s visit as unprecedented, noting that a similar incident occurred about two years ago without such high-level attention.

Addressing the victims, Okpebholo promised that reconstruction of the destroyed shops would begin within the week, urging traders to remain patient.

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“Between now and Friday, construction will start. Once the buildings are ready, we will take inventory so you can return to your shops without needing loans from the bank,” he assured.

Governor Okpebholo was accompanied by top government and security officials, including the Commissioner for Public Security and Safety, Hon. Ebea Festus Odianosen; the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika; and the Commander of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Olatunboju.