A woman has been abducted by gunmen at the popular Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City, Edo State, in a daylight incident that threw shoppers into panic on Sunday.
The victim was reportedly at the market with her husband and children when the attackers stormed the area in a commando-style operation and whisked her away.
A video circulating online showed a witness recounting the incident, describing it as her first direct experience of such an attack in the state.
She said, “Today, for the first time, I experience kidnapping in my life. Who said kidnapping is not in Benin? Kidnapping happened in my presence right at Airport Road, Vegetable Market.”
The witness also claimed she sustained injuries while attempting to escape the scene, adding that the attack occurred while traders and shoppers were still conducting business.
When contacted, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident but described it as an abduction, noting that investigations were already underway.
She said the incident occurred after the family had gone to the market to shop following the close of service.
According to her, “I’m aware there was an abduction incident in that area earlier today and we are already investigating the matter. The woman, her children and husband went to Vegetable Market to buy some things after the close of service when they abducted her.”
Asked about the motive, the police spokesperson said it was too early to draw conclusions, adding that the family was cooperating with investigators.
She said, “For now we cannot release any information regarding that to the public as investigation is still ongoing. But at the appropriate time we will let the public know.”
She also insisted on the use of the term “abduction” rather than “kidnapping,” stressing that there had been no confirmation of ransom demands at the time of the report.
