Inegbeboh Eugene, the lawmaker representing Igueben Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, has dismissed claims that the Edo State Police Command and other security agencies were responsible for rescuing the Onogie of Udo-Eguare, Friday Ehizojie, from his abductors.
AFRIPOST had reported that the traditional ruler, along with five others, was kidnapped on Sunday, February 3, 2025, while travelling by motorcycle on a secluded path leading to the community.
Following the incident, the police command announced that its operatives had safely rescued the monarch, acknowledging the assistance of vigilantes, hunters, and community members.
Similarly, the Edo State Security Corps, led by Commander Friday Ibadin, also claimed credit for the operation.
However, speaking on the assembly floor on Monday, Eugene contradicted these claims, asserting that the monarch’s release was not facilitated by the police or the state security corps.
Instead, he revealed that the community had to pay a ransom to secure the traditional ruler’s freedom.
“Mr. Speaker, during the crisis, I personally informed security agencies about the abduction. While they pretended to be taking action, they ultimately did nothing,” Eugene said.
He criticized the police and security corps for taking credit for the release without providing evidence of apprehending the kidnappers.
“How do you claim to have rescued someone without arresting the kidnappers? Did they just walk in and take him? If they know the culprits, they should present them,” he added.
Eugene emphasized that it was through the efforts of the community, aided by divine intervention, that the ransom was gathered to secure the monarch’s return.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Monday Okpebholo for his prompt response and logistical support for security agencies during the crisis.
However, he urged the Speaker to summon the new Commander of the Edo State Security Corps to explain the agency’s efforts in tackling insecurity in the State.
