Some suspected hoodlums attacked the palace of Etsu Lokoja, HRH Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Shelika, in Lokoja early Saturday morning, resulting in the destruction of vehicles and property. The incident occurred around 1:00 AM, forcing the monarch to flee for safety by scaling the palace fence.
Reports indicate that the attack coincided with the planned Nupe Natives end-of-year event, “Lokoja ’24 Nupe Cultural Fiesta,” set for December 21, 2024. The attack led to the cancellation of this much-anticipated cultural celebration, which had attracted numerous attendees from neighboring states.
In a statement following the assault, Dauda-Shelika recounted the terrifying moments when he was alerted to the fire consuming his vehicle. He expressed his deep concern for community safety and called on government and security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly and bring the attackers to justice.
The monarch emphasized the need for peace among the Nupe natives and urged them to refrain from any form of retaliation. He appealed to the government to recognize and properly grade the Etsu Lokoja stool, which has historical significance predating colonization.
Dauda-Shelika highlighted that the local government and security officials promptly arrived at the scene to assess the situation, condemning the attack. He reiterated the law-abiding nature of the Nupe people, noting their history of peaceful coexistence with other ethnic groups in Lokoja.
Concerns were raised over the underlying reasons for the attack, especially considering the cultural fiesta had been organized to promote unity among different ethnic communities in Lokoja. The Etsu Lokoja lamented the lack of recognition from local traditional authorities regarding the presence and significance of the Etsu Lokoja title.
The National President of the Nupe Natives of Lokoja Union, Alh. Abubakar Ndashite, emphasized that the December event was purely a cultural celebration and not a coronation. He called for swift action from the government to hold those responsible accountable.
Authorities have yet to respond publicly to the incident, as efforts to reach the local police command and state security representatives for further comment were unsuccessful. The community remains on alert as it seeks justice and recognition for its cultural heritage and rights.
