Breaking: Gunmen Abduct Woman in Broad Daylight at Benin City Vegetable Market

A Young Woman has been Abducted at Popular Benin Vegetable Market While Shopping With Family on Sunday afternoon

Residents and traders at the popular Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City were thrown into panic on Sunday after gunmen reportedly abducted a woman who had gone shopping with her family.

The incident, which occurred in broad daylight, has sparked renewed concerns about security in parts of Edo State, particularly in busy public places where residents carry out their daily activities.

According to eyewitness accounts, the victim had visited the market alongside her husband and children after attending church service when armed men suddenly arrived at the scene and forcefully whisked her away.

The shocking incident reportedly unfolded in the presence of several traders, customers and passers-by, many of whom were left frightened and helpless as the gunmen carried out the operation.

A woman who claimed to have witnessed the abduction firsthand shared her experience in a video that has since gone viral on social media.

Visibly shaken, she described the incident as one of the most traumatic experiences she had ever witnessed.

“Today, for the first time, I witnessed someone being kidnapped,” she said.

The eyewitness challenged claims by some residents who believe incidents of kidnapping are rare within Benin City.

“Who said kidnapping is not happening in Benin? A kidnapping happened right in my presence at the Vegetable Market on Airport Road. Just because it has not happened to you does not mean it does not exist,” she stated.

She further revealed that amid the confusion, she assisted in protecting the victim’s children from harm.

“I saved the woman’s children today. This is me. It happened right in front of me. We were both buying things at the same place. I even sustained bruises during the incident. Look at my legs,” she said while displaying injuries she claimed to have suffered during the chaos.

The disturbing account has generated widespread reactions online, with many residents expressing fears over the growing insecurity in parts of the state and calling for stronger security measures around markets, highways and other public locations.

When contacted for confirmation, the spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, CSP Moses Yamu, confirmed that an abduction incident occurred in the area and disclosed that investigations had commenced.

According to the police, the victim had gone to the market with her husband and children before she was taken away by the suspected abductors.

“I’m aware there was an abduction incident in that area earlier today, and we are already investigating the matter. The woman, her husband and their children had gone to the Vegetable Market to buy some items after church service when she was abducted,” the police spokesperson said.

Asked whether investigators had established a possible motive behind the incident, the police said it was too early to disclose details as investigations were still ongoing.

“For now, we cannot release any information regarding that to the public as investigations are still ongoing. At the appropriate time, we will let the public know. The husband and other family members are cooperating with us in our investigation,” the spokesperson added.

The police also clarified the use of the term “abduction” instead of “kidnapping,” noting that investigators have not yet established whether the perpetrators intend to demand ransom from the victim’s family.

“Have the abductors contacted the family to demand a ransom? Do you have any information that I do not have? If so, kindly share it with me,” the spokesperson stated.

As of the time of filing this report, no official information had been released regarding the whereabouts of the victim, while security operatives were said to be intensifying efforts to track down the suspects and secure her safe return.

The latest incident has once again highlighted growing concerns among residents about personal safety and security across Edo State, with many calling on security agencies to strengthen surveillance and patrol operations in strategic locations across Benin City.

Watch CCTV Footage Below;