***Palliatives for Residents Discovered in Recovered Bus
The Edo State Government has announced the recovery of three out of more than 200 official vehicles unaccounted for, as it has intensified effort to recover government-owned assets from private custody.
Chairman of the recently inaugurated Vehicle Recovery Committee, disclosed that within 24 hours of the committee’s operation, three vehicles had been retrieved.
The recovered vehicles, which include a Hilux van and two Toyota Hiace buses, were found in a private residence.
Notably, one of the recovered Toyota Hiace buses was contained palliatives intended for distribution to residents. The items included bags of garri and rice, weighing 10kg and 25kg.
Okungbowa called on members of the public to provide information about the location of other missing vehicles, assuring whistleblowers of substantial rewards for accurate and verifiable tips.
“Since our inauguration, we have successfully recovered three vehicles in just 24 hours, including one Hilux and two Toyota Hiace buses. These vehicles were discovered in private custody, and our operation is supported by security agencies to ensure compliance,” Okungbowa said.
He noted that the committee has received reports indicating over 200 government vehicles are unaccounted for. He urged former government officials and other individuals in possession of state vehicles to return them voluntarily within 48 hours.
“These vehicles are not private property but belong to the people of Edo State. It is unfair for anyone to appropriate government assets for personal use,” Okungbowa emphasized.
He added that the success of the initial operation was due to actionable intelligence, urging citizens to provide more information about other locations where state vehicles may be kept.
“We recovered these vehicles based on information provided by the public, and we appeal for more tips. Our team will continue operations to recover all missing vehicles,” he said.
Okungbowa reassured residents that the committee remains committed to its mandate and will not relent until all missing government assets are recovered for the benefit of the people of Edo State.