We paid ransom for release of Edo traditional ruler — Lawmakers

The lawmaker representing Igueben constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, Eugene Inegbeboh, has disclosed that his community paid ransom to secure the release of the traditional ruler of Udo-Eguare Kingdom, Igueben Local Government Area, HRH Friday Ehizojie, from kidnappers.

The declaration has rubbished claims by the State Police Command and the Edo Security Corps (ESSC), who both claimed responsibility for the release of the traditional ruler.

Recall that Onojie who was riding as passenger on a motorcycle on a lonely path leading to the community, was abducted with five others by gunmen on Sunday, February 3, 2025.

Four days after, the State Police Command claimed that its operatives rescued the Monarch unhurt 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 claimed that its operatives rescued the traditional ruler after combing the forest.

Ibadin who is a retired Commissioner of Police, added that the Onogie was thereafter handed over to the Police for adequate debriefing in order to be able to apprehend his captors who are at large.

The lawmaker who is a member of Udo-Eguare community, has however debunked both claims, adding that the community paid ransom for the release of their king.

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

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 that glory that they rescued him. It is wrong,” he added.