Edo State government in conjunction with the state police command has begun a manhunt for a suspected arm supplier to kidnappers in Benin.
One of the suspects arrested by the police, Marvellous Israel, identified Liberty as the arm supplier, who he also referred to as “Chief Security Officer.”
Israel told the police that N1.5 million of the N2.8 million ransom payment recovered, was meant for Liberty, noting that N8 million was collected as ransom for the woman’s release.
He said, “The man who gave us the gun for the kidnapping is called Liberty. We also call him Chief Security Officer in our area.
“The sum of N1.5 million out of the N2.8 million recovered from me, as part of the ransom payment, was meant for Liberty.”
However, the Edo police spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, said the case linking Liberty to the kidnapping operations was still under investigation.
Ikoedem said other fleeing members of the kidnap gang have been arrested in Delta State bringing the number of those arrested to four while one was killed.
She listed those arrested on June 20 to include a 27-year old lady, Gift Raphael and two males, Wisdom Michael and Rufus Michael while another was earlier arrested.
Ikoedem said all suspects have made confessional statements linking them to the vegetable market incident and other criminal operations within the state.
“I can confirm that all suspects linked to the Benin market kidnapping have been arrested while one was killed.
The police are on the trail of the alleged arm supplier, who was identified as Liberty.”
Meanwhile, a woman who was abducted alongside her daughter in Akoko-Edo local government area, has identified her kidnappers.
Her kidnappers were identified when they went to the community market to buy foodstuff
They were subsequently arrested by a joint team of military personnel and operatives of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) after the woman raised the alarm.
Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government, Alabi Oshionogue, said the arrest reflected the effectiveness of ongoing security measures aimed at curbing criminal activities and restoring peace across the local government area.
Oshionogue commended the bravery, professionalism, and gallantry of the security operatives.
He said, “The woman was able to identify her kidnappers and they have been arrested. This will bring peace to the local government area.”
