Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has pledged to immediately reconstruct shops destroyed by a fire incident near the Ekpoma Police Division, describing the event as part of coordinated efforts to destabilise the community.
The governor made the announcement during a visit to the scene on Monday night, January 12, 2026, where he assessed the damage and interacted with affected traders, many affiliated with the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA). The fire, which broke out on Sunday, January 11, at about 11:30 a.m., razed several adjoining shops.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary on Tuesday, January 13, Okpebholo expressed deep sympathy for the victims. “I share deeply in the pain of those affected, and I want to assure them that the Edo State Government will stand fully with you at this difficult time,” he said. He announced that “reconstruction of the burnt shops would begin within the week”, with additional support to help traders resume business.
The incident followed closely on the heels of violent unrest in Ekpoma. A peaceful protest on Saturday, January 10, over rising kidnappings and the killing of a youth degenerated into chaos when hoodlums allegedly hijacked it, leading to vandalism at a livestock market, attacks on traders, and partial destruction of the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II.
Okpebholo condemned the violence, stating there was “no justification for invading a traditional institution under the guise of expressing grievances over insecurity.” He described recent events as indicating “a pattern of coordinated attacks” and vowed renewed security measures. “Those behind these acts of violence and destruction will be brought to justice. No one is above the law,” he emphasised.
