15 foreigners discovered in Otukpo secret apartment

Residents of Otukpo, the administrative headquarters of Benue South Senatorial District, were thrown into anxiety on Wednesday following the discovery of about 40 occupants, including at least 15 suspected foreign nationals, in a rented apartment on Perfect Avenue.

The development comes amid growing concerns over insecurity across Benue South, where communities have witnessed a series of kidnappings, violent attacks and killings in recent months. The security situation has heightened fears among residents, making the discovery of the group a matter of public concern.

The occupants were discovered after Hon. David Perfect, acting on information from residents, alerted security agencies and mobilized community youths to the location. Security operatives subsequently stormed the apartment and took at least 15 persons, along with several young women, into custody for questioning.

Although authorities are yet to officially confirm their identities and nationalities, those questioned at the scene claimed to include nationals of Cameroon, Mali and Togo, while others said they were from Cross River State, Nigeria.

During interviews conducted before they were taken away, several of the occupants denied engaging in criminal activities, insisting they were in Otukpo for legitimate business.

One man, who identified himself as a Cameroonian, said he possessed a valid passport and was involved in online marketing. Others described themselves as affiliate or network marketers, explaining that they advertise products through WhatsApp and other social media platforms and earn commissions whenever customers purchase the products.

One of the occupants said they neither stock nor sell the products directly but merely refer buyers to companies in exchange for commissions.

Their explanations, however, did little to allay public suspicion, with many residents questioning why dozens of people involved in an online business would choose to live together in a single apartment in Otukpo.

Speaking after the operation, Ebonyi Naija Media, who witnessed the exercise, commended Hon. David Perfect for alerting security agencies to the presence of the occupants.

He called on the Otukpo Local Government Council to develop a proper registration and profiling system for foreigners and non-indigenes residing in the area, noting that such measures have become necessary in view of the worsening security situation across the country.

He also urged security agencies to strengthen surveillance and ensure proper documentation of people moving into the area, stressing that residents have a responsibility to report suspicious activities to the authorities.

The Community Volunteer Guards were also commended for their swift response, which reportedly assisted in handing the suspects over to the police without incident.

As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the arrests or confirm the identities and immigration status of those detained.

Meanwhile, residents have been urged to remain calm and allow security agencies to conclude their investigations while continuing to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting suspicious persons or activities.