Edo Lawmaker Refutes Security Agencies’ Claims on Monarch’s Rescue

Inegbeboh Ojie Eugene, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly representing Igueben Constituency, has cautioned the police and the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) against taking credit for the release of Friday Ehizojie, the traditional ruler of the Udo-Eguare Kingdom in Igueben Local Government Area.

The monarch was abducted by gunmen on Sunday, February 3, 2025, while traveling on a motorcycle along a remote path. He was released four days later, on Friday, February 7, 2025.

The Edo State Police Command announced that their officers had safely rescued the traditional ruler, thanking vigilantes, hunters, and concerned citizens for their assistance.

Two days later, Friday Ibadin, the newly appointed ESSC Commander, also stated that the monarch’s release was due to the efforts of his security team. Ibadin, a retired Commissioner of Police, explained that his officers had combed the forest to locate the traditional ruler and later handed him over to the police for further investigations.

However, Eugene refuted these claims, insisting that the community paid a ransom to secure the monarch’s release.

Speaking before the Edo State House of Assembly on Monday, Eugene alleged that the police and security agencies failed to take decisive action despite being informed of the kidnapping.

“During the crisis, I personally alerted security agencies about the abduction. But instead of acting, they were playing hide and seek—pretending to be working while doing nothing,” he said.

He further questioned how security forces could claim to have rescued the monarch without apprehending the kidnappers.

“How do you rescue a person from kidnappers’ den without capturing the culprits? If they truly know the kidnappers, they should show us,” Eugene stated.

“Let’s be clear: it was the people of Small Big Village who raised the ransom that secured our king’s release. No one else should claim credit for this.”

Eugene urged the Speaker of the Assembly to invite Friday Ibadin, the new ESSC Commander, to explain what steps his agency is taking to combat insecurity in Edo State.

He also thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for his logistical support during the crisis but emphasized that resolutions passed by the Assembly against kidnapping have not been effectively implemented.