A lawmaker representing Igueben Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, Inegbeboh Ojie Eugene, has dismissed claims by the Edo State Police Command and the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) that they were responsible for the rescue of His Royal Highness, Friday Ehizojie, the traditional ruler of Udo-Eguare Kingdom, from his abductors.
The monarch was kidnapped on Sunday, January 3, 2025, along with five others while riding as a passenger on a motorcycle on a secluded path leading to the community. He regained freedom four days later on Friday, January 7, 2025.
Following his release, the Edo State Police Command issued a statement through its spokesperson, Moses Yamu, claiming that operatives of the command had rescued the king unhurt, with support from vigilantes, hunters, and local residents. Similarly, the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), Friday Ibadin, a retired Commissioner of Police, asserted that his officers combed the forest, secured the monarch’s release, and later handed him over to the police for debriefing.
However, speaking during a session at the Edo State House of Assembly on Monday, Hon. Eugene dismissed both claims, stating that the traditional ruler was not rescued by security agencies but was instead released after a ransom was paid by the community.
“Mr. Speaker, I personally informed security agencies when the kidnapping happened, yet they did nothing substantial. Now, they are claiming credit for a rescue they did not carry out,” he said.
“None of them can explain how the king returned home, yet they are taking pictures with him and making statements. If they truly rescued him, where are the kidnappers? Did they just walk into the forest and bring him out without making any arrests?”
Eugene further alleged that the kidnappers were Fulani herdsmen and that it was the people of Small Big Village who raised the ransom to secure the monarch’s release.
“Even if they won’t admit it, the truth remains that it was through the grace of God and the contributions of my people that our king was freed,” he insisted.
The lawmaker also called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to intensify efforts in tackling insecurity in the state, while urging the Speaker of the House to summon Commander Friday Ibadin to brief lawmakers on the measures being taken to address the rising cases of kidnapping.
Despite several resolutions passed by the Assembly on security concerns, Eugene lamented that their impact remains unfelt by the people of Edo State.
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