The Chairman of the Edo State Government’s Vehicle Recovery Committee, Kelly Okungbowa, has announced on Friday that over 200 government vehicles are currently unaccounted for.
Speaking to journalists in Benin City, Okungbowa revealed that the committee, inaugurated just a day earlier by Governor Monday Okpebholo, has already recovered three vehicles from a private residence. These include one Hilux van and two Toyota Hiace buses.
In a surprising development, palliatives meant for distribution to Edo residents were discovered in one of the recovered Toyota Hiace buses. The items included bags of rice and garri.
“We promised to follow the law in carrying out the governor’s mandate, which is to recover all missing government vehicles in private hands,” Okungbowa stated. “Within 24 hours, we are glad to inform the people of Edo State that we have recorded our first success.”
He emphasized that the vehicles are government property belonging to the people of Edo and should not remain in private possession.
The chairman also appealed to former government officials and citizens in possession of the vehicles to return them voluntarily within 48 hours.
Okungbowa called on members of the public to provide information that could aid the committee in recovering the missing vehicles, assuring whistleblowers of rewards for correct and verifiable information.
“We will make sure we recover all stolen vehicles,” he said. “This is not private property but the property of Edo citizens, and it is not good for any individual to steal government property.”
