. .As Gov Okpebholo orders immediate security action
By Simeon OSAJIE
A woman who visited Vegetable Market on Airport Road, Benin City, Edo State capital, was on Sunday abducted by suspected gunmen.
According to a video making the rounds online, the woman was at the market with her husband and children when the armed men stormed the area in a commando-style manner.
In the ensuing commotion, her husband reportedly fled the scene, while the gunmen seized the woman and whisked her away to an unknown destination.
The incident has sparked concern among residents, with many calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure her release and bring the perpetrators to book.
In another video sighted, a woman who claimed she witnessed the incident described the incident as kidnapping, stressing, “today, for the first time, I experience kidnapping in my life.”
“Who said kidnapping is not in Benin? Kidnapping happened in my presence right here at Vegetable Market Airport Road. It has not happened to you does not mean it doesn’t exist.
“I saved the woman’s children today. This is me. It happened in front of me. We were both buying something in the same place, at the vegetable market. This is me, I have bruises. This is my legs”, she said.
When contacted, Edo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident.
Asked what could have resulted to the abduction, Ikoedem said, “for now we cannot release any information regarding that to the public as investigation is still ongoing. But at the appropriate time we will let the public know. The husband, the family members are all cooperating with us in our investigation.”
Asked further why she described the incident as abduction and not kidnapping, she maintained: “It is abduction and not kidnapping. Or have you heard if the abductors have contacted the family for ransom? Or if you have any information I do not have, kindly send it to me.”
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has strongly condemned the kidnapping, describing it as unacceptable and a direct attack on innocent residents.
In a press statement by Dr. Patrick Ebojele Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor disclosed that the governor has directed the Commissioner of Police to immediately commence a swift and coordinated investigation into the incident with a view at securing the safe rescue of the victims and arresting those responsible for the attack.
According to him, “Governor Okpebholo urges residents of Benin City and across Edo State to remain alert and report any suspicious movements to the nearest Police station stressing that timely information will support ongoing police operations.”
He reaffirmed that the government would not relent until those responsible were apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law.