Insecurity: Gunmen abduct woman at popular vegetable market in Benin

A woman was reportedly abducted by suspected gunmen on Sunday at the popular Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City, Edo State.

The victim was said to be shopping at the market with her husband and children when armed men stormed the area and forcefully whisked her away.

Witnesses said the incident caused panic among traders and shoppers. In the ensuing commotion, the woman’s husband reportedly fled the scene, while the gunmen took her away to an unknown destination.

The incident has sparked concern among residents, with many calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure her release and apprehend those responsible.

In one of the videos sighted by our correspondent, a woman who claimed to have witnessed the incident described it as a kidnapping, and narrated her experience.
“Today, for the first time in my life, I witnessed a kidnapping,” she said.

“Who says kidnapping is not happening in Benin? It happened right before me at the Vegetable Market on Airport Road. Just because it has not happened to you does not mean it does not exist.

“I saved the woman’s children today. We were both buying items at the same place when it happened. I even sustained bruises during the incident,” she added, showing injuries she claimed to have suffered.

When contacted, the Edo State Police Command confirmed the incident but described it as an abduction rather than a kidnapping.
Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said the command had already commenced an investigation into the matter.

“I am aware there was an abduction incident in that area earlier today, and we are already investigating the matter,” she said.

“The woman, her husband and their children had gone to the Vegetable Market after church service to buy some items when she was abducted.”

Asked about the possible motive behind the incident, Ikoedem declined to provide details, citing ongoing investigations.

“For now, we cannot release any information regarding the matter because investigations are still ongoing. At the appropriate time, we will make the details public. The husband and other family members are cooperating with us in our investigation,” she stated.

Explaining why the police classified the incident as an abduction rather than a kidnapping, Ikoedem said there was, at present, no indication that the perpetrators had contacted the family or demanded a ransom.

“It is an abduction and not kidnapping,” she maintained.