The Edo State Government has announced that over 200 vehicles belonging to the state are missing, according to findings by a newly inaugurated committee tasked with asset recovery.
The committee, established by Governor Monday Okpebholo, is focused on retrieving government assets believed to be in the possession of private individuals, including former officials of the administration of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.
Kelly Okungbowa, the chairman of the committee, disclosed the findings to reporters on Friday in Benin City. He revealed that within 24 hours of the committee’s inauguration, three vehicles had already been recovered from a private residence. The recovered vehicles include a Hilux van and two Toyota Hiace buses.
Further inspection of one of the Toyota Hiace buses uncovered palliatives intended for distribution to the people of Edo State. These items included bags of garri and rice in 10-kilogram and 25-kilogram packages.
“Yesterday, we were inaugurated, and we promised to follow the law in carrying out the mandate given by His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo. That mandate is to recover all missing government vehicles in private hands,” Okungbowa stated.
He added, “We are glad to inform the people of Edo State that within 24 hours, we have recorded success. This morning, we recovered one Hilux van and two Toyota Hiace buses from private custody. This demonstrates our resolve to carry out this assignment with diligence and transparency.”
The chairman revealed that information from whistleblowers led to the recovery of the three vehicles and appealed to the public for further tips. He assured that informants would be “handsomely rewarded” for their contributions.
“This is not private property but the property of Edo citizens. It is unacceptable for individuals to appropriate government assets for personal use,” Okungbowa said. He urged those in possession of government vehicles to return them voluntarily, stating, “We appeal to former government officials and other individuals holding back government vehicles to return them within 48 hours.”
Okungbowa also highlighted the possibility of more recoveries from residences of former government officials, saying, “We are just wondering how many more vehicles and assets may be in the possession of former officials such as the Chief of Staff, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), and others.”
The committee, supported by security agencies, has so far faced no resistance during its operations. “We are moving to other locations where we have been informed that government vehicles are parked. With the cooperation of the public and the support of security personnel, we are confident of recovering all missing assets,” Okungbowa affirmed.
The chairman reiterated the committee’s dedication to ensuring that all stolen vehicles are returned to the state, emphasizing that the assets belong to the people of Edo. “This is a collective resource for the benefit of all citizens, and we are committed to ensuring its recovery,” he concluded.
