The lawmaker representing Igueben Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, Inegbeboh Eugene, has dismissed claims that the Edo State Police Command and the State Security Corps were responsible for rescuing the Onogie of Udo-Eguare Kingdom, Friday Ehizojie, from kidnappers.
The traditional ruler and five others were kidnapped on Sunday, February 3, 2025, while riding on motorcycles along a lonely path in Igueben Local Government Area.
After the monarch’s release, the state police claimed its operatives rescued him unharmed, while also thanking vigilantes, hunters, and residents for their support. The Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, also claimed credit, stating his men carried out the rescue.
However, speaking on the floor of the Assembly on Monday, Eugene refuted these claims, stating that the monarch was freed after his community paid a ransom.
“Mr Speaker, I personally informed the security agencies about the kidnapping,” Eugene said. “But at the end of the day, the agencies I contacted were pretending to act, yet did nothing.”
He questioned how the security forces could claim to have rescued the monarch when no kidnappers were arrested.
“At the end of the day, none of them knew how the traditional ruler came back home. But now, they are claiming the glory and taking pictures with him after his release,” he said.
“How do you rescue someone from kidnappers without arresting the criminals? Did they just walk in and collect the king? If they know the kidnappers, they should show us,” he added.
Eugene stressed that the monarch’s freedom was secured through the efforts of the community.
“It took the grace of God for my people to raise the ransom that brought our king back home. Nobody should claim the glory for rescuing him. It is wrong,” he said.
The lawmaker appreciated Governor Monday Okpebholo for his quick response and the support provided to security agencies during the incident.
He also called on the Speaker of the House to invite the new Commander of the State Security Corps to brief the Assembly on what steps are being taken to address security challenges in Edo State.
