We paid ransom – Edo lawmaker tackles police on rescue of traditional ruler

We paid ransom – Edo lawmaker tackles police on rescue of traditional ruler

The lawmaker representing Igueben constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, Inegbeboh Eugene, has debunked claims by the Police and the State Security Corps (ESSC), that they were responsible for the rescue of the traditional ruler of Udo-Eguare kingdom in Igueben Local Government Area, HRH Friday Ehizojie, from kidnappers.

Recall that the traditional ruler and five others were abducted by some gunmen on Sunday, 3 February, 2025, while riding as passengers on a motorcycle along a lonely path leading to the community.

Four days after, the State Police Command claimed to have rescued the monarch unhurt by its operatives, while thanking vigilantes, hunters and other well-meaning residents of the State for the support.

Barely two days after the police statement, the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), Friday Ibadin, also laid claim to the rescue of the traditional ruler.

Ibadin, a retired Commissioner of Police said after his officers successfully combed the forest which led to the rescue of the Onogie, he was, however, handed over to the Nigeria police Force Edo State Command for adequate debriefing in order to be able to apprehend his captors who are at large.

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But, as the police and the operatives of ESSC, continued to claim glory for the rescue of the monarch, Eugene, the lawmaker who is a member of Udo-Eguare community, debunked the claims, saying that the community paid ransom for the release of their king.

Eugene, who spoke at the floor of the State House of Assembly on Monday, alleged that the traditional ruler was kidnapped by herdsmen.

We paid ransom – Edo lawmaker tackles police on rescue of traditional ruler