A dispute has erupted over the rescue of Friday Ehizojie, the Onogie of Udo-Eguare kingdom in Edo State, with lawmakers and security agencies offering conflicting accounts.
Inegbeboh Eugene, a representative of Igueben Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, has publicly rejected claims by the State Police Command and the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) that their operatives rescued the traditional ruler from kidnappers.
Ehizojie and five others were abducted on February 3, 2025, while traveling on a motorcycle along a secluded path in Igueben Local Government Area.
The incident sparked immediate concern, with local leaders urging swift action. Days later, the Edo State Police Command announced the monarch’s “rescue,” crediting its personnel alongside vigilantes and hunters.
ESSC Commander Friday Ibadin also asserted his team’s involvement in the operation.
During a legislative session on Monday, Eugene dismissed these assertions.
He revealed that the community negotiated directly with the kidnappers and paid a ransom to secure Ehizojie’s release.
“The security agencies I alerted during the crisis engaged in a charade,” he said. “They pretended to act but achieved nothing. No arrests were made, and none could explain how the monarch returned home.”
Eugene criticized officials for publicly celebrating the rescue without evidence.
“How can they claim credit without apprehending a single suspect? If they know the kidnappers’ whereabouts, let them prove it,” he said.
The lawmaker emphasized divine intervention and community fundraising efforts, stating, “It was the grace of God and our people’s sacrifices that brought our king back – not security operatives.”
Claims
Kidnapping for ransom remains a critical issue in southern Nigeria.
According to the Nigeria Security Tracker, Edo State recorded over 150 abduction cases in 2024 alone, with many victims released only after payments to captors.
The CLEEN Foundation, a security research organization, notes that communities often resort to self-help due to perceived inefficiencies in formal security responses.
Eugene acknowledged Governor Monday Okpebholo’s swift logistical support for security agencies but stressed the need for accountability.
He urged the House Speaker to summon the ESSC Commander to clarify the corps’ strategies for tackling insecurity.
“Transparency is nonnegotiable,” he asserted. “Residents deserve to know how their safety is being prioritized.”
The lawmaker’s revelations highlight broader concerns about trust in security institutions. While officials frequently publicize successful operations, gaps between claims and realities erode public confidence.
A 2023 report by SB Morgen Intelligence revealed that 67% of Nigerians distrust police narratives on security matters, citing inconsistencies and lack of verifiable evidence.
As debates continue, the Udo-Eguare incident underscores the urgent need for improved coordination between communities and security agencies.
For now, the traditional ruler’s return has provided temporary relief, but unresolved questions about responsibility linger.