FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Member representing Igueben Constituency at the Edo State House of Assembly, Eugene Inegbeboh has disclosed that his community paid ransom to secure the release of the traditional ruler of Udo-Eguare Kingdom, Friday Ehizojie, from kidnappers.
The disclosure contradicts claims by the state police command and the Edo State Security Corps, ESSC, that they were responsibility for the release of the traditional ruler.
It would be recalled that the Onojie, who was riding as a passenger on a motorcycle on a lonely path leading into the community, was abducted with five others on Sunday, February 3.
Four days after, the state police command claimed that its operatives rescued the monarch unhurt, while thanking vigilantes, hunters and other well-meaning residents for their support.
Barely two days after the police statement, Commander of Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin also claimed that his operatives rescued the traditional ruler after combing the forest.
Ibadin, who is a retired Commissioner of Police, added that the Onogie was thereafter handed over to the police for adequate debriefing in order to apprehend his captors who are at large.
However, the lawmaker, who is a member of Udo-Eguare community, debunked both claims, disclosing that the community paid ransom for the release of their king.
Inegbeboh, who spoke on the floor of the House of Assembly on Monday, alleged that the traditional ruler was kidnapped by herdsmen.
“Mr Speaker, it is interesting to know that during the trying period, I personally informed security agencies of the abduction 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 were playing hide and seek as if they are doing something, but doing nothing.
“At the end of the day, none of them knew how the traditional ruler came back home, only for them to start claiming the glory and taking pictures with him after his release.
“Some people even went to social media to claim that they are the ones that rescued him.
“How do you rescue a person from kidnappers den without the culprits 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 that glory that they rescued him. It is wrong,” he added.
The lawmaker thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for his swift response and the logistics support he provided for security agencies during the period.
He, however, urged the speaker to invite the new commander of the State Security Corps to brief the House on what the outfit is doing to address the security challenges in the state.
