The lawmaker representing Igueben Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, Inegbeboh Eugene, has refuted claims made by the State Police Command and other civilian security agencies regarding the rescue of the Onogie of Udo-Eguare kingdom, Friday Ehizojie, from kidnappers.
The traditional ruler and five others were abducted by gunmen on Sunday, February 3, 2025, while traveling on a motorcycle along a remote path leading to the community.
Following the abduction, the state police claimed that their operatives rescued the monarch unharmed and thanked vigilantes, hunters, and other residents of the state for their support. Additionally, the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, claimed that his men were responsible for the rescue.
However, Eugene, speaking on the floor of the Edo State House of Assembly on Monday, disagreed with the official claims. He stated that neither the police nor the state security corps were responsible for the monarch’s release. According to Eugene, the community had to raise ransom money to secure the release of their king.
He said, “Mr. Speaker, it is interesting to note that during the trying period, I personally informed the security agencies of the kidnapping of the traditional ruler. The information was for them to see what they could do, but at the end of the day, I want to tell you that the security agencies I informed were playing hide and seek, as if they were doing something but doing nothing.”
Eugene continued, “At the end of the day, none of them knew how the traditional ruler came back home, but only for them to come out now and start claiming the glory and taking pictures with him after his release. Some people even went to social media to claim that they were the ones who rescued him. How do you rescue a person from a kidnappers’ den without apprehending the culprits? If they know the kidnappers, they should show us.”
The lawmaker boldly stated, “Even though they would not want to agree, it took the grace of God for my people to raise the ransom that brought our king back home. So, Mr. Speaker, nobody should claim the glory that they rescued him. It is wrong.”
Eugene also expressed gratitude to Governor Monday Okpebholo for his swift response and the logistical support provided to security agencies during the incident. However, he urged the Speaker of the House to invite the new Commander of the State Security Corps to brief the House on efforts being made to address the state’s security