Edo recovery panel says over 200 govt vehicles are missing

Over 200 official vehicles are currently unaccounted for, with three already recovered, according to the committee set up by the new Edo State government.

The Chairman of the Recovery Committee, Kelly Okungbowa, announced the development on Friday in Benin, just 24 hours after the panel’s inauguration.

Among the recovered vehicles are a Hilux van and two Toyota Hiace buses, one of which contained palliatives meant for distribution to residents of the state.

Okungbowa appealed to the public for further information, noting that earlier tips had led to the recovery of the three vehicles.

“We were inaugurated on Thursday, and we promised to operate within the law to fulfil the governor’s mandate to recover all missing government vehicles in private hands. We are pleased to inform the people of Edo State that we have recorded success within 24 hours of our inauguration,” Okungbowa said.

“We recovered one Hilux and two Toyota Hiace buses found in private custody. We assure the Edo people and the state government that we will do this job to the best of our ability, ensuring that all the stolen vehicles are retrieved.

“Reports indicate that over 200 government vehicles are missing. We urge the public to provide more information, and whistleblowers will be handsomely rewarded. These vehicles belong to Edo citizens and not private individuals. It is unacceptable for anyone to steal government property.

“One of the recovered vehicles, a Toyota Hiace bus, was found with palliatives, including bags of garri and rice.”

Okungbowa also appealed to former government officials and others holding on to government vehicles to return them within 48 hours.

“We are just wondering how many vehicles are in the homes of former government officials,” he said.

“Based on information received, we are moving to other locations where government vehicles are reportedly parked. So far, there has been no resistance because security agencies are backing our operations.”

The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo was inaugurated on November 12 after winning the Edo election in September on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).