Police Did Nothing, We Paid Ransom For Our Monarch’s Release- Edo Lawmaker

Inegbeboh Eugene, the lawmaker representing Igueben Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, has debunked claims by the police and local security agencies that they were responsible for the release of the Onogie of Udo-Eguare kingdom, Friday Ehizojie, from kidnappers.

The traditional ruler and five others were abducted by gunmen on Monday, February 3, while traveling on a motorcycle to their community. Days later, the state police claimed that its operatives had rescued the monarch, with support from vigilantes, hunters, and residents. The Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, also asserted that his team had rescued the monarch.

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However, speaking in the House of Assembly on Monday, February 10, Eugene refuted these claims, stating that the community had paid a ransom for the monarch’s release. He criticized the security agencies for failing to act during the kidnapping and later taking credit for his return.

“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 that rescued him.”Eugene said.
“How can they rescue someone without apprehending the kidnappers?”

He thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for his support, but called for a briefing from the new commander of the State Security Corps on the security situation in the state.