Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
BENIN CITY, Nigeria – The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old suspect, Marvelous Isaac, in connection with the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market off Airport Road in Benin City, while also neutralizing another member of the gang during a gun duel, the state Commissioner of Police has confirmed.
The abduction occurred on Sunday, June 14, 2026, when the victim, who had gone shopping with her husband and children after a church service, was whisked away by armed men in a commando-style operation. A viral video from the scene showed the terrifying moment as the assailants struck, with an eyewitness recounting, "Today, for the first time, I experienced kidnapping in my life... I saved the woman's children today".
Following a report of the incident, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Edo State Command swung into action. Acting on credible intelligence, they successfully tracked and arrested Marvelous Isaac, who was identified as a member of the kidnapping syndicate. During the operation, another suspect, identified only as Precious, was killed in an exchange of gunfire with the police. Two other members of the gang are still at large.
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, who paraded the suspect at the command headquarters on Thursday, June 18, 2026, disclosed that several items were recovered from the suspects. These include a red Lexus RX 350 with registration number EKP 848 AE, which the suspect confessed was used in the operation, a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, a cash sum of ₦2,250,000 suspected to be proceeds of crime, and a motorcycle.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, who was present at the parade, commended the security agencies for their swift action and reiterated his administration's resolve to rid the state of kidnapping. He revealed plans to establish a special court to ensure speedy trials for kidnappers and cultists and warned that he would not hesitate to sign the death warrant of any convicted kidnapper. "Within 24 hours, those guys were caught," the governor stated.
Investigations are ongoing, and efforts have been intensified to apprehend the other fleeing members of the gang. The Edo State Police Command has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible information to aid in the fight against crime.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com ✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments