Edo Police Intensify Search for Abducted Woman at Vegetable Market

By Elvis Omoregie, Benin

The Edo State Police Command has assured residents that significant progress is being made in efforts to rescue Precious Ufure, who was abducted near the Vegetable Market along

Airport Road, Benin City.

Speaking on the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Eko Edem, said operatives of the Command's Anti-Kidnapping Unit are actively trailing the suspects and remain confident that the victim will be rescued soon.

According to him, the command has deployed all necessary resources to track down those responsible for the abduction.

"Our Anti-Kidnapping Unit is already on their trail, and we are making significant progress. We are confident that in no distant time, she will be rescued and the perpetrators brought to justice," he said.

Responding to concerns over the absence of contact from the abductors nearly 24 hours after the incident, particularly regarding ransom demands, the police spokesperson noted that not all abduction cases follow the same pattern.

"Abduction cases are not always about ransom. As I said earlier, we are already on their trail and making significant progress. There are details I cannot disclose publicly at this stage, but be assured that we are on top of the situation," he added.

She declined to reveal operational details, citing the ongoing investigation, but assured the public that comprehensive information would be released at the appropriate time.

Addressing speculation about the circumstances surrounding the abduction, including whether the victim was specifically targeted or became vulnerable due to road conditions in the area, he said investigations were still ongoing and that conclusions would only be drawn based on verified findings.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious movements and activities.

"Members of the public should avoid spreading misinformation and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through our emergency lines. It is better to report something that turns out to be false than to ignore it and allow a crime to occur," he said.

The command also dismissed reports suggesting that police officers were present at the market when the incident occurred but failed to intervene.

Describing the claims as false, she explained that the information was investigated immediately after it came to the attention of the command.

"Officers were deployed to the area, and the victim's husband and children were taken to safety. However, officers were not on duty at the Vegetable Market at the time of the incident. I can confirm that," he stated.