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June 15, 2026
The Governor of Monday Okpebholo has strongly condemned the abduction of several persons at the popular Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City, describing the incident as a grave security breach and an unacceptable attack on innocent citizens.
The kidnapping, which occurred on Sunday at one of the busiest commercial hubs in the Edo State capital, has heightened concerns among residents and traders over the security situation in the area.
Witnesses reported panic and confusion as armed assailants allegedly stormed the market environment and whisked away their victims, leaving traders and commuters in fear.
Reacting swiftly to the incident, Governor Okpebholo issued a firm directive to the Edo State Commissioner of Police and other relevant security agencies to commence an immediate, coordinated, and comprehensive investigation aimed at rescuing the victims and apprehending those responsible.
In a statement released on Monday through his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, the governor expressed profound concern over the development and reassured residents that his administration remains fully committed to protecting lives and property across the state.
“I strongly condemn this act of kidnapping and I call on the Commissioner of Police to immediately open an investigation into the matter. 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.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that criminal activities such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and other forms of violent crime have no place in Edo State and warned that his administration would pursue perpetrators relentlessly until justice is served.
According to the statement, security agencies have been placed on high alert, while intelligence and tactical operations have been intensified to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victims.
The governor further assured families of those abducted that every available resource would be deployed to ensure a successful rescue operation.
“We will not rest until those behind this criminal act are identified, arrested, and made to face the full consequences of the law. The safety and welfare of Edo people remain our highest priority,” he added.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the security challenges confronting parts of Edo State and several other states across Nigeria, where cases of kidnapping for ransom have become a growing concern.
Residents and business owners around Airport Road expressed shock over the incident, noting that the Vegetable Market serves as a major commercial center that attracts hundreds of traders and customers daily.
Many residents have called for increased police patrols, surveillance operations, and stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities to prevent future attacks.
Security analysts have also stressed the need for enhanced intelligence gathering, improved response mechanisms, and community-based policing strategies to combat criminal networks operating within urban and semi-urban areas.
Governor Okpebholo appealed to citizens across Edo State to support ongoing security efforts by remaining vigilant and promptly reporting suspicious movements, activities, or individuals to law enforcement authorities.
He noted that timely and credible information from members of the public remains one of the most effective tools in preventing crime and assisting security agencies in tracking criminal elements.
The government also urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified reports capable of causing panic, assuring the public that security agencies are actively working to resolve the situation.
The governor reiterated that his administration remains determined to strengthen security architecture across the state and restore public confidence in the government's ability to safeguard lives and property.
He pledged continued support for law enforcement agencies and security stakeholders, stressing that the fight against kidnapping and violent crime would remain a central focus of his administration.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not officially disclosed the identities of the abducted persons or confirmed the exact number of victims involved in the incident. However, investigations and rescue efforts are ongoing, with security operatives intensifying efforts to locate the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The latest abduction has sparked renewed calls for stronger security measures across Edo State, as residents continue to demand decisive and sustained action against criminal elements threatening peace, economic activities, and public safety.
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