The Edo State Government has assured residents that those behind the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market in Benin will be brought to justice, adding that the state police command has commenced an investigation into the incident.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr Patrick Ebojele, stated that the police acted immediately after the governor directed security agencies to ensure the perpetrators were apprehended.

Ebojele also cautioned social media users and online platforms against sensationalizing security-related incidents, noting that exaggerated reports could create unnecessary panic and affect ongoing security operations.

He acknowledged that insecurity remained a challenge in Nigeria and other parts of the world, but maintained that Okpebholo had made significant investments in security personnel, equipment and intelligence gathering since assuming office.

He urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities to security agencies and support ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security across the state.

Ebojele also said forests and farmlands across the state would soon become safer, following the ongoing training of forest guards drawn from local government areas and host communities.

He said the decision to recruit locals was aimed at strengthening security operations through their knowledge of the terrain.

He added that the initiative was part of Okpebholo’s broader security strategy to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies and improve surveillance in rural communities vulnerable to criminal activities.