Inegbeboh Ojie Eugene, a lawmaker representing Igueben constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, has disputed claims by the Edo State Police Command and the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) that they rescued His Royal Highness, Friday Ehizojie, the traditional ruler of Udo-Eguare kingdom.
Instead, Eugene revealed that the community paid ransom for the monarch’s release.
The traditional ruler was kidnapped by gunmen on January 3, 2025, along with five others, and regained freedom on January 7, 2025.
While the police claimed that the monarch was rescued unhurt by their operatives, the ESSC also claimed that their operatives rescued the monarch after combing the forest.
However, Eugene alleged that the traditional ruler was kidnapped by Fulani herdsmen and that the security agencies were ineffective in their response.
He stated that despite informing the security agencies, they “were playing hide and seek as if they were doing something but doing nothing”.
Eugene urged the Speaker to invite the new Commander of the ESSC, Friday Ibadin, to brief the house on steps the outfit is taking to address security challenges in the state.
He also thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for the swift response and logistics support for security agencies during the period.