The Edo State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its investigation into the abduction of a woman at the popular Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City, arresting four suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate and killing one during an operation.
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‎Providing an update on the case, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Eno Ikoedem, said the arrests followed intelligence-driven operations launched by the command after the June 14 kidnapping incident.
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‎According to the police, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) first apprehended a 32-year-old suspect, identified as Marvelous Isaac, during a gun battle on June 18. Another suspect, known only as Precious, was fatally shot during the exchange.
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‎Items recovered during the operation included a Lexus RX 350 SUV allegedly used in carrying out the kidnapping, a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, a motorcycle, and ₦2.05 million believed to be linked to the criminal operation.
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‎The investigation later led to the arrest of three additional suspects on June 20. They were identified as Gift Raphael, 27, Wisdom Michael, and Rufus Michael. The suspects were apprehended during separate operations carried out in Benin City and parts of neighbouring Delta State.
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‎Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were members of an organised criminal network involved in kidnapping and other unlawful activities across Edo State. The command added that the suspects had made statements linking themselves to the market abduction and related crimes.
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‎Commending the operatives involved in the operation, Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika praised their professionalism, courage, and commitment to combating crime in the state.
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‎He reassured residents that the command would continue its crackdown on criminal elements and ensure that everyone connected to the kidnapping is brought to justice.
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‎The police also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information that could aid security agencies in preventing and solving crimes.
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‎The kidnapping occurred on June 14 when armed men reportedly stormed the Vegetable Market off Airport Road and abducted a woman who had gone shopping with her husband and children.
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‎A video shared on social media shortly after the incident captured a witness describing the shocking abduction, saying it was the first time she had personally witnessed such an occurrence.
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