Inegbeboh Eugene, the lawmaker for Igueben Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, has denied that the Onogie of Udo-Eguare kingdom in the Igueben Local Government Area, Friday Ehizojie, was freed from kidnappers by State Police Command and other civilian security agencies.
On Sunday, February 3, 2025, the traditional ruler and five other people were kidnapped by some gunmen while travelling as passengers on a motorcycle along a desolate path that led to the community.
A few days later, the state police command said that its agents had rescued the monarch unharmed and thanked vigilantes, hunters, and other well-meaning citizens of the state for their assistance.
On Friday, Ibadin, the commander of the Edo State Security Corps, asserted that his men had rescued the traditional ruler following the police announcement.
Eugene declared during Monday’s parliament floor that the police and state security corps did not save the monarch as reported.
According to the politician, the community paid a ransom to have their monarch freed.
He said,” Mr. Speaker, it is interesting to know 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 that I informed were playing hide and seek as if they were doing something, but doing nothing.
“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 that rescued him.
“How do you rescue a person from a kidnapper’s den without the culprit being apprehended? Did they just walk in there to bring the traditional ruler home? If they know the kidnappers, they should show us.
“Mr. Speaker, I make bold to say that 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 that glory that they rescued him. It is wrong.”
The lawmaker expressed gratitude to Governor Monday Okpebholo for his prompt action and the logistical assistance he gave to security forces during that time.
However, he urged the Speaker of the House to invite the newly appointed State Security Corps Commander to address the House and provide an update on the organisation’s efforts to address the state’s security issues.
