The Edo State Government has uncovered a shocking case of missing vehicles, with over 200 government-owned vehicles reported unaccounted for.
Within just 24 hours of its formation, the committee tasked with recovering these assets has made its first breakthrough.
Kelly Okungbowa, the chairman of the recovery committee, revealed that three vehicles, including a Hilux van and two Toyota Hiace buses, were recovered from a private residence.
In a startling twist, one of the buses contained palliatives meant for public distribution, including bags of garri and rice weighing 10kg and 25kg each.
“Edo’s Property Is Not for Personal Use” – Okungbowa
Speaking to journalists, Okungbowa expressed both concern and determination to retrieve every stolen vehicle.
“Yesterday, we were inaugurated, and today, I am glad to announce that we have recovered three vehicles in private custody,” he said.
The chairman stressed that these assets are public property and not for personal use.
“This is not private property but the property of Edo citizens. It is not good for a private individual to steal government property,” he emphasized.
Public Urged to Help
The committee has called on members of the public to provide information on the whereabouts of the remaining vehicles.
According to Okungbowa, information already received from the public led to the recovery of the three vehicles.
“Information is key. The vehicles recovered this morning were a result of tips from citizens. We appeal for more information as whistleblowers will be handsomely rewarded,” he assured.
Okungbowa revealed plans to expand the search to other locations based on additional leads.
Palliatives Found in Recovered Vehicles
The recovery team made another shocking discovery in one of the Toyota Hiace buses: palliatives meant for the people of Edo State.
“These palliatives include bags of garri and rice. It is disheartening to see such items being hoarded when they were meant to be distributed to the people,” Okungbowa said.
This revelation has raised questions about accountability and the management of resources meant for public welfare.
Government Officials Under Scrutiny
The committee has not ruled out the involvement of former government officials in the disappearance of the vehicles.
“We are just wondering how many vehicles will be found in the houses of former government officials like the Chief of Staff, SSG, and even the so-called Deputy Governor, whose position is not recognized by law,” Okungbowa remarked.
He issued a 48-hour ultimatum for individuals holding onto government vehicles to return them voluntarily.
Security Backing for Recovery Efforts
So far, the committee’s operations have faced no resistance, thanks to the involvement of security agencies.
“There has been no resistance because security agencies are backing our operations,” Okungbowa confirmed.
The chairman assured the people of Edo State that the recovery process will be carried out within the confines of the law.
A Long Road Ahead
With over 200 vehicles still unaccounted for, the task ahead is daunting.
However, the committee remains optimistic about its ability to recover the stolen property.
“We assure Edo people and the State Government that we are going to do the job to the best of our ability. We will make sure we recover all the stolen vehicles,” Okungbowa vowed.
