The lawmaker representing Igueben Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, Inegbeboh Eugene, has berated the State Police Command and other civilian security agencies, claiming the glory for the release of the Onogie of Udo-Eguare kingdom in the Igueben Local Government Area, Friday Ehizojie, from kidnappers.
Henzodaily recalls that the monarch was reportedly abducted on a forest path between Ubiaja and Udo community, where armed assailants ambushed him.
Days later, the state police command claimed that its operatives had rescued the monarch unhurt and thanked vigilantes, hunters, and other well-meaning residents of the state for their support.
However, Eugene, speaking on the floor of the House on Monday, said the monarch was not rescued by the police or the state security corps as claimed, as the community paid a ransom for his release.
According to him, the security operative did nothing to ensure the monarch’s release, and it is wrong to claim glory.
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.”
The lawmaker thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for his swift response and the logistic support provided for security agencies during the period.
He encouraged the Speaker of the House to invite the new Commander of the State Security Corps to update the House on efforts being made to tackle security issues in the state.