The palace of the Etsu Nupe Lokoja in Kogi state, His Royal Highness Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Shelika, Nyamkpa IV, was attacked by hoodlums in the early hours of Saturday, with the assailants setting a vehicle ablaze.
The incident reportedly occurred around 1:00 am, catching the monarch by surprise. Recounting the ordeal, HRH Dauda-Shelika said he was awakened by a loud bang on his door. Looking out through his window, he saw flames engulfing his vehicle, set alight by the attackers.
Realising the palace was under attack, the monarch said he avoided stepping outside for fear of further violence. Instead, he escaped through the back door and scaled a fence to ensure his safety. Despite efforts by neighbours to control the fire, it destroyed the car and other belongings within the palace premises.
The Etsu Nupe has called on the government and security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure that those responsible, along with their sponsors, are brought to justice. He also urged the Nupe natives in Lokoja to remain calm and law-abiding, discouraging any form of retaliation.
“I urge my people to remain as peaceful and law-abiding as we have always been, because this incident has drawn the attention of government to our issue,” the monarch said.
The attack comes just as the Nupe Natives of Lokoja Development Union were preparing to host the 2nd Edition of the Nupe Cultural Fiesta, an end-of-year event tagged “Lokoja ’24 Nupe Cultural Fiesta.”
