Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has strongly condemned the reported kidnapping of a woman at the popular Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City, describing the incident as a direct attack on innocent residents and a threat to public peace and security.
The governor, in a statement issued on Monday through his media aide, Patrick Ebojele, expressed concern over the incident and directed the Edo State Commissioner of Police to launch an immediate and coordinated investigation aimed at rescuing the victim and apprehending those responsible.
According to the statement, the governor said his administration would not tolerate criminal activities capable of endangering lives or creating fear among residents of the state.
“I strongly condemn this act of kidnapping and I call on the Commissioner of Police to immediately open investigation into the matter,” Okpebholo stated.
“As a government, we will not tolerate any act that threatens public safety and security or disturbs the peace of the state.”
The governor stressed that ensuring the safety of residents remains a top priority of his administration and assured citizens that security agencies have been directed to act swiftly in addressing the situation.
He also called on residents of Benin City and other parts of Edo State to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities and movements within their communities.
According to him, timely and credible information from members of the public will greatly assist security agencies in ongoing operations to combat crime and maintain public order.
Okpebholo further reassured residents that the state government would continue to support security agencies in their efforts to tackle kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities across the state.
He vowed that those behind the attack would be tracked down and made to face the full weight of the law.
The governor’s reaction followed reports that a woman was abducted while shopping at one of the stores inside the Vegetable Market on Sunday.
The incident reportedly caused panic among traders and customers in the busy market, with a video of the alleged abduction circulating widely on social media.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not released official details regarding the identity of the victim or the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The latest development has renewed concerns among residents over incidents of kidnapping and other security challenges in parts of the state, prompting calls for enhanced surveillance and stronger security measures in public places.
