Edo State asset recovery committee uncovers hundreds of missing vehicles, several palliatives

The committee established by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to recover assets from the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki has reported the disappearance of over 200 government vehicles.

Speaking to journalists in Benin City on Friday, the committee chairman, Kelly Okungbowa, revealed that three of the missing vehicles—a Hilux van and two Toyota Hiace buses—were found at a private residence.

Shockingly, one of the buses contained palliatives, including bags of garri and rice, intended for distribution to the people of the state.

Okungbowa emphasized the committee’s commitment to recovering the assets, urging the public to come forward with any information. He also assured that whistleblowers would be rewarded generously for credible leads.

“Yesterday, we were inaugurated, and we promised to follow the law to carry out the mandate of Mr Governor which is to recover all missing government vehicles in private hands.

“We are glad to inform the people of Edo State that we have recorded success within 24 hours of our inauguration.

“I am glad to announce to you that we have recovered one Hilux and two Toyota Hiace buses in private custody. You see that within 24 hours we have made success and recovered some vehicles.

“We assure the 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.

“Reports reaching us are that we have over 200 government vehicles missing. We appeal for more information as the whistleblowers will be handsomely rewarded.

“This is not private property but the property of Edo citizens and it is not good for a private individual to steal government property.

“This vehicle was recovered from one person’s house. Palliatives were recovered from the Toyota Hiace bus as some garri and bags of rice were kept in the bus.

“We are just wondering how many will be in the houses of former government officials like the Chief of Staff, SSG, and so-called Deputy Governor which is not known by law.

“We appeal to former government officials and other citizens holding back government vehicles to return the vehicles within 48 hours.

“Information is key as these three vehicles recovered this morning as a result of information.

“We need more information as we are moving to other places where we have been informed that government vehicles are parked. There has not been resistance so far because security agencies are backing our operations,” he said.