Niger Delta
Edo Lawmaker Faults Police, ESSC, Over Kidnapped Traditional Ruler
The Member, representing Igueben in Edo State House of Assembly, Eugene Inegbebohon, has faulted claims by the Police and the State Security Corps, ESSC, that they rescued Chief Friday Ehizojie, the traditional ruler of Udo-Eguare Kingdom in Igueben Local Government.
It would be recalled that the traditional ruler was kidnapped by gunmen on February 3 along with five others on a lonely path leading to the community .
The traditional ruler regained freedom last Friday, February 7.
The Edo State Police Command had disclosed that the traditional ruler was rescued unhurt by operatives of the command.
However, barely two days after the police statement, the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, ESSC, Mr. Friday Ibadin, also claimed that the traditional ruler was rescued by the operatives of the corps.
Inegbebohon, during plenary on Monday, debunked the claims of the police and Edo security outfit, saying that the community paid ransom for the release of their king.
“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, they did nothing.
“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”, he said.
According to him, some people even went to the social media to claim that they are the ones that rescued him.
“How do you rescue a person from kidnappers’ den without the culprits 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 back our king home.
“So, Mr. Speaker, nobody should claim that glory that they rescued him. It is wrong”, he added.
He commended his colleagues for their sympathy during the trying period.
He also thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for the swift response and logistics support for security agencies during the period.
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The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.
Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.
Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.
He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”
“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.
In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.
“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.
Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.
“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.
The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.
The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.
Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.
He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.
“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.
“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.
“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.
“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.
The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.
Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.
The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.
Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.
The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.
The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.
Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.
The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.
Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.
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