A member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Inegbeboh Eugene, has disputed claims by security agencies that they rescued the Onogie of Udo-Eguare kingdom, Friday Ehizojie, from kidnappers. Eugene stated that the community, not the police or state security corps, secured the monarch’s freedom by paying a ransom.
The traditional ruler and five others were kidnapped on Sunday, February 3, 2025, while traveling on a motorcycle along a deserted path in Igueben Local Government Area. Days later, the Edo State Police Command announced that its operatives had successfully rescued the monarch unhurt. The police also thanked local vigilantes, hunters, and concerned residents for their assistance.
Similarly, the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, also stated that his men were responsible for the monarch’s release. However, while addressing the House of Assembly on Monday, Eugene strongly refuted these claims, stating that the police and security corps played no role in the traditional ruler’s freedom.
The lawmaker explained that he personally informed security agencies when the kidnapping occurred, hoping they would act swiftly. However, he accused them of pretending to take action while doing nothing meaningful.
He 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.”
