The lawmaker representing Igueben Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, Inegbeboh Eugene has debunked the claims that operatives of the State Police Command and other civilian security agencies rescued the Onogie of Udo-Eguare kingdom of Igueben Local Government Area, Friday Ehizojie from kidnappers.
Some gunmen on Sunday, February 3 2025, reportedly abducted the traditional ruler and five others while riding as passengers on a motorcycle along a lonely path leading to the community.
The state police command days after claimed to have rescued the monarch unhurt, applauding vigilantes, hunters and other residents of the state for their support.
The Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin after the police statement also declared his men rescued the traditional ruler.
Reacting from the floor of the assembly on Monday, Eugene stressed that the monarch was not rescued by the police of the state security corps as said.
This lawmaker said the community paid ransom for the release of their monarch.
Eugene 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 narrated.
