Edo Governor Pledges Support as Fire Destroys Shops in Ekpoma

Kingsley Ohens reporting For Urbanscoopnews

Ekpoma, Edo State — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured traders of swift government intervention following a devastating overnight fire that destroyed several shops in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.

The affected shops, constructed by the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), were razed by the inferno late Sunday night, leaving many traders counting heavy losses and raising renewed concerns about security in the area.

Governor Okpebholo, who visited the scene on Monday evening to personally assess the level of destruction, expressed deep sympathy with the victims, describing the incident as “disturbing and painful.” He assured the affected traders that the state government would not abandon them in their time of need.

“This is very painful to me. Our people will not suffer for nothing,” the governor said while addressing shop owners at the site. “There is nothing to fear. We will go after those responsible, no matter how highly placed they may be.”

The governor linked the incident to a series of violent and destructive acts recently recorded in Ekpoma, describing them as coordinated attacks aimed at destabilising the community. He dismissed claims that the perpetrators were Fulani herdsmen, insisting instead that the acts were politically motivated.

“They are killing our people in the name of Fulani herdsmen. They are not Fulanis. They are political elements, and we have started arresting them,” he stated firmly.

Reinforcing the administration’s stance on law and order, Governor Okpebholo stressed that no individual would be shielded from justice, regardless of personal or political ties.

“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,” he warned.

In a major relief to the victims, the governor announced that reconstruction of the destroyed shops would commence within the week. He also pledged additional support beyond rebuilding, including a proper assessment of losses to ensure traders can resume their businesses without falling into debt.

“Between now and Friday, reconstruction will begin. After that, we will take inventory so that you can return to your shops without going to borrow from the bank,” he assured.

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

Earlier, two of the affected traders, Mr. Israel Ughulu and Prof. Aghemelo Austin Thomas, who spoke on behalf of the victims, said they felt traumatised and unfairly targeted over an issue they did not understand.

According to Mr. Ughulu, the fire started shortly after midnight and spread with alarming speed.

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

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

As Governor Okpebholo toured the burnt structures, a large crowd of residents gathered, many commending the governor for his swift response, visible show of solidarity, and firm assurances on security and reconstruction.

The visit has offered renewed hope to the affected traders and underscored the state government’s commitment to restoring livelihoods, strengthening security, and ensuring justice for victims of violence and destruction across Edo State.