The Edo State Police Command has assured residents that significant progress is being made in the ongoing operation to rescue Precious Ufure, who was abducted near the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Eko Edem, confirmed that operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit are actively trailing the suspects and remain confident of a swift rescue. Edem stated that the command has deployed all necessary tactical resources to track down those responsible for the abduction.
”Our Anti-Kidnapping Unit is already on their trail, and we are making significant progress,” Edem said. “We are confident that in no distant time, she will be rescued and the perpetrators brought to justice.”
Tactical units manage communication gap as ransom demand stalls
Addressing growing concerns over the lack of contact from the abductors nearly 24 hours after the incident—particularly the absence of a ransom demand—the police spokesperson noted that abduction cases do not always follow a standard pattern.
Edem declined to reveal sensitive operational details, citing the need to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, but assured the public that comprehensive information would be released at the appropriate time.
”Abduction cases are not always about ransom,” Edem added. “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.”
Command investigates operational vulnerability and response claims
Responding to speculation surrounding the circumstances of the abduction, including whether the victim was specifically targeted or if localized road conditions made her vulnerable, Edem stated that investigations are ongoing and conclusions would only be drawn from verified findings.
Furthermore, the command dismissed reports suggesting that police officers were present at the market during the incident but failed to intervene. Describing the claims as false, Edem explained that the allegations were investigated immediately after they came to the attention of the command.
”Officers were deployed to the area, and the victim’s husband and children were taken to safety,” Edem stated. “However, officers were not on duty at the Vegetable Market at the time of the incident. I can confirm that.”
Public urged to support security agencies with verified intelligence
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious movements and activities, while cautioning against the spread of unverified information.
”Members of the public should avoid spreading misinformation and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through our emergency lines,” Edem said. “It is better to report something that turns out to be false than to ignore it and allow a crime to occur.”
