Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has denounced the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City, describing the incident as unacceptable and an attack on law-abiding residents.
In a statement issued on Monday through his media aide, Patrick Ebojele, the governor directed the Edo State Commissioner of Police to launch an immediate and coordinated investigation into the incident. He said security agencies must work swiftly to rescue the victim and apprehend those behind the crime.
Okpebholo stressed that his administration would not tolerate actions capable of undermining public safety or disrupting the peace in the state.
“I strongly condemn this act of kidnapping and call on the Commissioner of Police to commence an immediate investigation into the matter,” the governor said.
He added that the state government remains committed to protecting residents and ensuring that anyone responsible for the attack is brought to justice.
The governor also urged residents across Benin City and other parts of Edo State to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station, noting that timely information would aid ongoing security operations.
He assured citizens that the government would continue working with security agencies until those responsible for the abduction are arrested and prosecuted.
The incident occurred on Sunday when a woman was reportedly seized by suspected kidnappers while shopping at one of the stores in the popular Vegetable Market, an event that was captured in a video circulating online.