A member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Inegbeboh Eugene, has refuted claims by the state police command and the Edo State Security Corps that they rescued the Onogie of Udo-Eguare, Friday Ehizojie, from kidnappers.
The traditional ruler, along with five others, was abducted on Sunday, February 3, 2025, while traveling on a motorcycle along a remote path leading to his community.
Days later, the police issued a statement claiming that their operatives had successfully secured his release unharmed, with support from vigilantes, hunters, and other residents.
The Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, also made similar claims.
However, speaking on the floor of the House on Monday, Eugene dismissed these assertions, stating that security agencies played no role in the monarch’s release.
Instead, he revealed that the community had to raise ransom to secure his freedom.
“Mr. Speaker, when the abduction occurred, I personally informed the security agencies, hoping they would take action. But instead, they only pretended to be working on the case while doing nothing,” Eugene said.
“At the end of the day, none of them knew how the traditional ruler returned home. Yet, after his release, they rushed to take pictures with him and claimed credit on social media. How can you claim to have rescued someone from kidnappers without arresting any suspect? If they truly know the kidnappers, they should show us,” he added.
Eugene emphasized that the people of Udo-Eguare, through their collective efforts, gathered the ransom that secured the monarch’s release.
“It was only by God’s grace that my people were able to raise the ransom. Nobody should falsely claim the glory for something they did not do,” he stated.
While commending Governor Monday Okpebholo for his swift response and logistical support during the crisis, the lawmaker urged the Speaker to summon the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps to provide a detailed briefing on what the security outfit is doing to tackle the rising insecurity in the state.