Police Kill Suspected Vegetable Market Kidnapper, Arrest Accomplice In Edo

The Edo State Police Command has killed a suspected kidnapper and arrested another in connection with the abduction of a woman at a vegetable market in Benin City.

The incident occurred on June 14, 2026, when the woman was shopping with her husband and children after a church service. Her husband reportedly fought off the assailants and escaped, but the gunmen dragged the woman into their vehicle and sped off.

Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika paraded the suspects on Thursday at the command headquarters. He stated that operatives of the Intelligence Response Team arrested 32-year-old Marvelous Issac, while another suspect known as Precious was neutralized during a gun battle. “Following a kidnapping report at the Vegetable Market in Benin City on June 14, 2026, operatives… successfully arrested one Marvelous Issac, aged 32 years, who was identified as a member of the kidnapping syndicate,” Agbonika said.

“During the operation, another suspect identified as Precious was neutralised following an exchange of gunfire with the police”.

Police recovered a red Lexus RX 350, a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, N2.25 million suspected to be ransom proceeds, and a motorcycle.

Governor Monday Okpebholo commended the security agencies and announced plans to establish a special court for kidnappers and cultists. “I will not hesitate to sign the death warrant of any convict,” he warned.

Two other gang members remain at large as investigations continue.