by Atafo Igbinedion-
The Edo State Government (EDSG) has launched an aggressive recovery effort for its missing vehicles, with over 200 currently unaccounted for.
Within 24 hours of its inauguration, the committee set up for this purpose, chaired by Kelly Okungbowa, has already retrieved three vehicles, including a Hilux van and two Toyota Hiace buses, from a private residence.
In a startling discovery, the committee found palliatives intended for Edo residents inside one of the buses. The recovered items included bags of garri and rice in 10kg and 25kg quantities.
Speaking to journalists about the committee’s progress, Okungbowa expressed satisfaction with the swift results and urged the public to provide more actionable information. “Yesterday, we were inaugurated, and we promised to follow the law in carrying out the governor’s mandate: recovering all missing government vehicles in private hands,” Okungbowa stated.
“We are glad to report that within 24 hours, we have recovered three vehicles. This includes one Hilux van and two Toyota Hiace buses, one of which contained palliatives meant for Edo citizens.”
He lamented the unethical retention of public property by private individuals and appealed to former officials and citizens to return the vehicles voluntarily within 48 hours.
“This is not private property but the property of Edo citizens,” Okungbowa emphasized. “It is unacceptable for anyone to withhold government assets. The vehicles recovered so far were in one private residence. We can only imagine what is hidden in the homes of former officials, such as the Chief of Staff, the SSG, or even the ex-Deputy Governor.” Okungbowa reassured potential whistleblowers of substantial rewards for credible tips. “Information is key.
The recovery of these three vehicles this morning was based on tips from the public. We are now moving to other locations where government vehicles are reportedly being kept. We encourage anyone with information to come forward.”
The operation, supported by security agencies, has faced no resistance thus far. Okungbowa reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to fully executing its mandate, promising thorough investigations and action.
The recovery drive sheds light on the scale of alleged mismanagement in the state’s vehicle fleet and raises questions about accountability among past government officials.
