The lawmaker representing Igueben Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, Inegbeboh Eugene, has refuted claims that operatives of the State Police Command and other civilian security agencies were responsible for the rescue of the Onogie of Udo-Eguare kingdom in the Igueben Local Government Area, Friday Ehizojie, from kidnappers.
Recall that the traditional ruler and five others were abducted by some gunmen on Sunday, February 3, 2025, while riding as passengers on a motorcycle along a lonely path leading to the community.
Days after, the state police command claimed that its operatives rescued the monarch unhurt, while thanking vigilantes, hunters and other well-meaning residents of the state for the support.
Also after the police statement, the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, also claimed that his men rescued the traditional ruler.
Speaking on the floor of the assembly on Monday, Eugene said the monarch was not rescued by the police or the state security corps as claimed.
The lawmaker stated that the community paid ransom for the release of their monarch.
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 kidnappers’ 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 the glory that they rescued him. It is wrong.”
The lawmaker thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for his swift response and the logistic support provided for security agencies during the period.
He, however, urged the Speaker of the House to invite the new Commander of the State Security Corps to brief the House on what the outfit is doing to address the security challenges in the state.