NIGERIA: Okpebholo Orders Probe into Edo Market Kidnap

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has condemned the kidnapping of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City, describing the incident as unacceptable and a direct attack on innocent residents.

The governor, in a statement issued by his media aide, Patrick Ebojele, directed the Edo State Commissioner of Police to immediately launch a swift and coordinated investigation aimed at rescuing the victim and apprehending those responsible for the attack.

“I strongly condemn this act of kidnapping and I call on the Commissioner of Police to immediately open investigation into the matter,” Okpebholo said.

He warned that his administration would not tolerate any act capable of threatening public safety or disrupting the peace of the state.

“As a government, we will not tolerate any act that threatens public safety and security or disturbs the peace of the state,” the governor stated.

Okpebholo urged residents of Benin City and other parts of Edo State to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to the nearest police station, noting that timely information would aid ongoing security operations.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that those behind the incident are brought to justice, stressing that the government would not relent until the perpetrators are apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law.

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, where a woman was allegedly abducted while shopping. A video of the attack, which has since circulated online, sparked public outrage and renewed concerns over insecurity in the state.

The latest development comes amid growing calls for stronger security measures to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes across Edo State.