Edo Lawmaker Refutes Police Claim of Monarch’s Rescue, Says Ransom Was Paid
By DAYO ADESULU
Community Efforts, Not Security Agencies, Secured Traditional Ruler’s Release— Eugene
Benin City, Nigeria – A member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Inegbeboh Eugene, has strongly refuted claims by the Edo State Police Command and the Edo State Security Corps that they were responsible for the rescue of the Onogie of Udo-Eguare Kingdom, Friday Ehizojie, from kidnappers.
The monarch and five others were abducted on Sunday, February 3, 2025, while traveling by motorcycle along a remote path in Igueben Local Government Area. In a statement days later, the police command asserted that its operatives had safely rescued the traditional ruler, acknowledging the support of vigilantes, hunters, and local residents. Similarly, the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, also claimed that his personnel were responsible for the monarch’s release.
Lawmaker: Security Agencies Played No Role in the Rescue
Speaking on the floor of the Edo State House of Assembly on Monday, Eugene dismissed these assertions, revealing that a ransom was paid by the community to secure the monarch’s release.
“During the trying period, I personally informed the security agencies about the kidnapping of our traditional ruler, but they were merely playing hide and seek, pretending to be working on the case,” Eugene stated.
“At the end of the day, none of them knew how the traditional ruler came back home. But now, they are claiming credit, taking pictures with him, and making social media posts as if they played a role in his release.”
“Where Are the Kidnappers?” – Eugene Questions Security Agencies
The lawmaker further questioned the credibility of the security agencies’ claims, emphasizing that a true rescue operation would have led to the arrest of the kidnappers.
“How do you rescue a person from a kidnappers’ den without apprehending the culprits? Did they just walk in and bring the king home? If they know the kidnappers, let them show us.”
Eugene credited Governor Monday Okpebholo for his swift response and for providing logistical support to security agencies but insisted that it was the people of Udo-Eguare who raised the ransom that led to their king’s freedom.
Call for Greater Accountability in Security Operations
Eugene urged the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly to summon the Commander of the State Security Corps to explain the agency’s role in tackling the growing security threats in the state.
This incident underscores the increasing insecurity in Edo State, where kidnappings for ransom have surged, often leaving local communities to take matters into their own hands. As the House of Assembly probes the security agencies’ claims, concerns continue to grow over the effectiveness of law enforcement in combating organized crime in the region.
