The Edo State Government has issued a 48-hour deadline to officials of the immediate-past administration to return government vehicles still in their possession.
Kelly Okungbowa, Chairman of the committee tasked with recovering missing vehicles, announced the directive on Friday in Benin City, revealing that over 200 government vehicles are currently unaccounted for.
Okungbowa urged former officials and other individuals in possession of these vehicles to comply immediately. “We appeal to anyone withholding government vehicles to return them within 48 hours,” he said.
Highlighting the committee’s progress, Okungbowa disclosed that three vehicles, including a Hilux van and two Toyota Hiace buses, were recovered from a private residence within 24 hours of the committee’s inauguration. He further revealed that some palliatives intended for public distribution were discovered in one of the recovered Toyota Hiace buses. These palliatives included bags of garri and rice weighing 10kg and 25kg, respectively.
“We need more information as we are moving to other places where we have been informed that government vehicles are parked. So far, we’ve encountered no resistance, thanks to the support of security agencies,” Okungbowa explained.
The chairman appealed to the public to provide credible information that could lead to further recoveries, assuring that valid tips from whistleblowers would be generously rewarded.
“Yesterday, we were inaugurated, and we promised to act within the law to fulfill the mandate given by the governor to recover all missing government vehicles. Within 24 hours, we have made progress by recovering one Hilux van and two Toyota Hiace buses. This is a great start, and we intend to do even more,” he said.
Speaking on the magnitude of the situation, Okungbowa noted, “Reports indicate that over 200 government vehicles are missing. This is not private property but the property of Edo citizens. It is unacceptable for anyone to claim government property as their own.”
Okungbowa assured the Edo State Government and its citizens that the committee would carry out its mandate diligently. “We will recover all stolen vehicles and ensure they are returned to the state for the benefit of the people,” he vowed.
