The Edo State Police Command has confirmed active progress in the rescue of Precious Ufure, abducted near the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City. Police Public Relations Officer Eko Edem stated that operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit are currently tracking the suspects and remain confident of a successful outcome. "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."
Despite the absence of a ransom demand nearly 24 hours after the abduction, the police emphasized that such cases do not always follow predictable patterns. Edem declined to disclose operational details, citing the sensitivity of the ongoing investigation, but assured the public that tactical resources have been fully deployed. "Abduction cases are not always about ransom," he said. "There are details I cannot disclose publicly at this stage, but be assured that we are on top of the situation."
The command also addressed claims that police officers were present at the market during the incident but failed to intervene. Edem dismissed the reports as false, confirming that officers were not on duty at the Vegetable Market at the time. However, he noted that police were later deployed to the area and assisted the victim's husband and children, taking them to safety. Investigations into the circumstances of the abduction, including whether Ufure was specifically targeted or if road conditions played a role, are ongoing.
Residents have been urged to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via emergency lines. The command warned against spreading unverified information and stressed the importance of public cooperation in resolving the case.
The police say officers were not on duty at the Vegetable Market when Precious Ufure was taken, yet claim full control of the operation. They released a statement more than 24 hours after the abduction without confirming when the operation began. If the Anti-Kidnapping Unit was already on the trail, it raises questions about why no public alert or roadblock was issued earlier. Benin City residents near Airport Road remain in the dark about their own safety while awaiting results.
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