No police gun was found in my bedroom, says Edo monarch -

BENIN—THE Oba of Sasaro clan in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, His Royal Highness, Azutorome Unuaikhazor, weekend described as untrue reports that a police rifle was found in his bedroom.

Recall that a report had alleged that a police rifle was found in the monarch’s bedroom after youths of the community attacked officials of a quarry company, following the death of one of the youths working with the company.

Oba Unuaikhazor, who described the report as misleading, said after he mounted a search for the missing police gun, one of the youths brought the gun out, which he handed over to the DPO in the area.

He said: “The action of the police led one of the angry youths to collect the gun from the policemen.

“I was informed that the police rifle was missing. So I came out of my palace and started shouting that these youths should not invite trouble to Sasaro clan.

“I kept shouting, asking whoever was with the gun to return it to me.

“Later, I saw a young man coming with the gun. It was my wife that led him to the kitchen, where the gun was kept safely.

“I know the implication of illegal possession of fire arms, that was why I went about calling for the gun. That same evening, at about 7pm, the DPO and his team came to my palace to report the missing gun. I told them that it had been found.

“I personally led him to the kitchen and gave it to them. The DPO expressed his appreciation and left with his men. Next day, I was told that the state Police Commissioner has heard about the incident and that he is inviting me to come to Benin.

“I went to Benin to meet him. After discussing with him, a discussion that was not up to an hour, I left for Sasoro. So I was shocked when I read that the gun was found in my house. That is not true at all.”

On the attack on the company by some of his subjects, the monarch said: “If the youths had listened to me, by now they would have been the winners, getting compensation from the company. The company will bury the young man and also make peace reign.

“Instead, some of them have been arrested, while others are on the run. But our relationship with the company has been very cordial.

“There has been smooth relationship between us and our tenant. We have our children working with them there. Some work as full time staff, while others are on contract.

By Simon Ebegbulem