Awe street Makurdi: Police raid Wurukum, Wadata crime hotspots, arrest 41 suspects in Benue

The Benue State Police Command has apprehended at least 41 suspected criminals in a well-coordinated operation targeting known trouble spots in Wurukum and Wadata areas of Makurdi, following actionable intelligence about ongoing criminal activities.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edet Udeme, confirmed to journalists on Tuesday that the exercise, which spanned Awe Street in Wurukum and sections of Wadata, was part of continuous efforts to clear the state capital of criminal elements.

“A raid of black spots was organised at Awe Street, Wurukum and Wadata, where 41 suspects were arrested and are currently undergoing screening.

“Investigations are ongoing, and additional information will be provided as it becomes available,” he stated.

The police action followed alarming reports from residents, including a woman who narrowly escaped what she described as an attempted abduction while returning home late in the evening.

She recounted that she boarded a commercial motorcycle along the International Market–Wurukum route around 8:30 p.m., after attending a religious gathering.

According to her account, the rider unexpectedly diverted from the route under the pretense of buying fuel and later said he needed to collect a parcel near Awe Street.

The woman claimed she was left in the area, where young men reportedly seized her phone and tried to drag her into a nearby building. She alleged that inside the structure were several young women, some restrained, indicating a possible organised criminal operation.

While the police have yet to formally verify the details of her claims, sources indicated that such testimonies contribute to intelligence that guides targeted raids and surveillance missions.

The Command assured the public that patrols have been strengthened across known hotspots in Makurdi, especially in locations historically associated with robbery, kidnapping, and human trafficking.

Reiterating their commitment to public safety, the police urged citizens to assist by providing reliable information.