The Edo State Police Command has killed one person linked to the kidnap of a female shopper at the Vegetable Market in Benin on June 14, 2026.
Recall that the victim had gone to the market with her children and husband.
Her armed abductors initially tried to abduct her husband who was waiting in a private vehicle but he escaped and they turned to the wife.
On Tuesday the state Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem said three suspects were arrested on June 20 in addition to the one earlier nabbed, bringing the arrest to four while one was killed.
“The Edo State Police Command wishes to update the general public on its breakthrough into the investigation of the kidnapping incident which occurred at the Vegetable Market off Airport Road in Benin City on June 14, 2026.
“Following the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, and acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Edo, launched a coordinated operation which led to the arrest of one Marvelous Isaac, male, 32 years, on 18/6/2026 in a gun duel while another suspect identified simply as Precious (surname unknown) was neutralised in the process.
“Items recovered from the suspects included one Lexus RX 350 SUV with registration number EKP 848 AE, red in colour, which was confessed to have been used in the kidnapping operation; one pump-action shotgun; two live cartridges; a cash sum of ₦2,050,000; and one motorcycle.
“The operatives on 20/6/2026 further arrested additional members of the organised crime syndicate, namely Gift Raphael, female, 27 years; who further led to the arrest of wisdom Michael, male; and Rufus Michael, male, during separate operations conducted within Benin City and parts of Delta State.
“All suspects have made confessional statements linking them to the incident and other criminal operations within the state,” the statement read partly.
