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Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has strongly condemned the kidnapping reported at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City, describing it as unacceptable and a direct attack on innocent residents.
The governor has directed the Edo State 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.
The governor who gave the order in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Patrick Akhere Ebojele, warned that the Edo State Government will not tolerate any act that threatens public safety and security or disturbs the peace of the state.
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.
Gunmen on Sunday afternoon abducted a housewife around a grocery shop at the popular Vegetable market by Airport road in Benin City, causing panic amongst residents.
The woman whose identity is yet to be revealed was reportedly dragged into a steaming operational vehicle used by the hoodlums who left her family members attending a church service together.
The incident sent shockwaves down the spines of tearful traders and residents, according to witnesses who alleged that the abductors who fired gunshots, while fleeing the scene with the helpless hostage.
It was also gathered that some security agents around the area, traders and other road users, scampered to safety over fear of being hit by a ricochet from the unmasked hoodlums during the operation that lasted for a few minutes.
The spokesperson of the Nigeria police Command in Edo State, SP. Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident when contacted.
She revealed that the Commissioner of Police in the State has ordered a discreet investigation surrounding the alleged abduction and ensure that those responsible are arrested and brought to justice in line with relevant extant laws.
According to her, “Police received the report on Sunday afternoon, and the police are making progress in the ongoing investigation.
“Our Anti-Kidnapping and the Anti-Violent Crime Units have started an investigation into the incident”. SP Ikoedem said.
