Edo Gov. Orders Investigation into Benin Market Kidnapping

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has ordered a swift investigation into a weekend kidnapping at a popular Benin City market, calling the incident a direct assault on law-abiding citizens.

The abduction occurred on Sunday at the Vegetable Market located along Airport Road. A video capturing the moment a woman was taken from a retail store during a shopping trip has since circulated widely online.

In a statement released Monday by his media aide, Patrick Ebojele, Governor Okpebholo directed the Edo State Commissioner of Police to initiate an immediate, coordinated operation to rescue the victim and apprehend the perpetrators.

“I strongly condemn this act of kidnapping,” the governor stated, adding that his administration will not tolerate actions that compromise public safety or disrupt the peace of the state. He warned that those behind the crime would face the full weight of the law once caught.

The governor also urged residents across Benin City and the wider state to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to local authorities to aid the ongoing police investigation.