Governor Monday Okpebholo has announced a N10 million reward for the police operatives who successfully apprehended key suspects involved in the recent high-profile kidnapping at Benin’s popular vegetable and fruit market.
The governor made the announcement on Thursday at the Edo State Police Command headquarters during the public parade of arrested suspects, including members of the gang responsible for the Sunday abduction that left many residents terrified.
Recall that armed assailants had stormed the Fruit Market area near the Benin Airport Road, where they opened fire on the tyre of a parked Jeep belonging to a family shopping for fruits. They forcibly took away the woman while her husband and children managed to escape unharmed. Thankfully, the victim was rescued from the kidnappers’ hideout on Wednesday following swift security action.
Describing the incident as both horrifying and unacceptable, Okpebholo stressed that the suspects must face immediate justice. He revealed that he personally reached out to the Police Commissioner right after the attack, prompting a rapid response that led to the arrest of one suspect, the neutralization of another during an operation, and an ongoing manhunt for two others still at large.
“We are setting up a special court dedicated to handling cases of kidnapping, cultism, and other serious security offences,” the governor declared. “Such courts will be mandated to complete trials within one month.”
He further warned that he would not hesitate to sign death warrants for those convicted of capital offences, including murder. “Criminals and their sponsors will find no hiding place in Edo State,” he said. “The police, military, and other security agencies are working round the clock, and with the support they are receiving from the federal government, these criminals will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.”
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for adequately funding security operations nationwide, which he said is enabling effective responses to threats. He appealed to residents to shun all forms of criminal activity, reminding them that honest living is far more sustainable than crime.
In a firm message, Okpebholo added: “I will sign your execution order without any regret. We may even carry it out publicly at the Ring Road roundabout for everyone to see. Do not mistake my calm disposition for weakness.”
On his part, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Monday Agbonika, confirmed that investigations are continuing intensively to track down the remaining gang members. Items recovered from the arrested suspect include a red Lexus RX 350 with registration number EKP 848 AE, one pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, the sum of N2,250,000 believed to be proceeds of crime, and one motorcycle.
Agbonika expressed gratitude to Governor Okpebholo for his consistent support to the police command and also thanked the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for guidance. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property while urging members of the public to continue sharing timely and useful intelligence with security agencies.