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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Gunmen invade Edo shop, whisk away woman

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • A woman was abducted by gunmen while shopping with her family at the Vegetable Market in Benin City, Edo State.
  • A witness described the incident as a kidnapping, stating it occurred in her presence despite initial skepticism about such crimes in the area.
  • Police confirmed the abduction and are investigating, with the PPRO emphasizing it is an abduction as no ransom demand has been made.

A woman has been abducted by gunmen while shopping with her husband and children at the popular Vegetable Market off Airport Road in Benin City, Edo State. The incident occurred on Sunday, shocking onlookers and prompting a witness to describe it as a clear case of kidnapping.

Today, for the first time, I witnessed someone being kidnapped.

— WitnessDescribing the abduction incident at the Vegetable Market in Benin City.

The witness, who was also at the market, recounted the terrifying experience, stating, “Today, for the first time, I witnessed someone being kidnapped.” She expressed disbelief that such an event could happen in Benin City, emphasizing, “Just because it has not happened to you does not mean it doesn’t exist.” The witness also mentioned intervening to help the woman's children during the abduction.

Who said kidnapping is not in Benin? A kidnapping happened in my presence right at Airport Road by the Vegetable Market.

— WitnessExpressing shock and confirming the occurrence of a kidnapping in Benin City.

Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the abduction incident. She stated that the woman was at the market with her family after church service when she was taken. While the police are actively investigating, Ikoedem declined to provide further details regarding potential motives or leads, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

I saved the woman’s children today. This is me. It happened in front of me.

— WitnessDetailing her involvement and proximity to the abduction event.

When questioned about the terminology, the PPRO insisted on using the term "abduction" rather than "kidnapping," noting that no ransom demand had yet been communicated by the perpetrators. She assured the public that more information would be released at the appropriate time and that the husband and other family members are cooperating with the investigation.

I’m aware there was an abduction incident in that area earlier today, and we are already investigating the matter.

— Eno IkoedemConfirming the abduction and the police's ongoing investigation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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