The Edo State Government has revealed that over 200 official vehicles are currently unaccounted for, with three already recovered by the committee tasked with addressing the issue.
The Chairman of the Recovery Committee, Kelly Okungbowa, disclosed this during a press briefing on Friday in Benin, detailing the progress made within 24 hours of the committee’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. The palliatives included 10kg and 25kg bags of garri and rice.
Okungbowa appealed to the public for further information, noting that earlier tips had led to the recovery of the three vehicles. He assured whistleblowers of rewards for verified information.
“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.
“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,” he explained.
Okungbowa also appealed to former government officials and others holding on to government vehicles to return them within 48 hours.
He added, “We are just wondering how many vehicles are in the homes of former government officials. Based on the 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.”