Hon. Eugene Inegbebohon, the Member representing Igueben in the Edo House of Assembly, has disputed statements from the police and the State Security Corps (ESSC) regarding the rescue of Chief Friday Ehizojie, the traditional ruler of the Udo-Eguare kingdom.
Chief Ehizojie was kidnapped by gunmen on February 3, along with five others, on a remote road nearing the community. He was released on February 7.
Following the traditional ruler’s return, the Edo State Police Command asserted that he was rescued unharmed by its operatives. Just two days later, Mr. Friday Ibadin, Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, echoed this claim, stating that their personnel were responsible for the rescue.
During a recent assembly plenary, Inegbebohon refuted these assertions, alleging that the community had paid a ransom for the king’s release.
“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, they did nothing,” he stated.
Continuing, he questioned the police’s narrative: “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.” He further remarked on the implausibility of their claims, asking, “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.”
Inegbebohon firmly stated, “It took the grace of God for my people to raise the ransom that brought back our king home. So, Mr. Speaker, nobody should claim that glory that they rescued him. It is wrong.” He expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their support during the crisis and thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for his swift response and logistical assistance to security agencies during the ordeal.
