Benue: Police raid criminal hideout in Makurdi, recover stolen motorcycles

The Benue State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough after uncovering a criminal enclave in Makurdi.

In a statement on Friday, the Command’s spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police Udeme Edet, explained that officers swung into action around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday following a distress alert and traced a stolen Bajaj motorcycle to a residence on George Akume Way in Makurdi.

When police patrol teams reached the compound, they met a huge crowd already gathered. Inside the premises, the operatives were stunned to find “11 suspected stolen motorcycles, 47 motorcycle seats, fuel tanks, three mattresses, criminal charms, a single-barrel firearm, and other incriminating items.”

The situation escalated when two suspects attempted to escape. They were later caught by civilians near the BIPC office and lynched before the police could disperse the mob. 

According to DSP Edet, the individuals were taken to Federal Medical Centre, Wadata, but were pronounced dead and their bodies deposited in the morgue. “The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has taken over the matter.”

The statement also quoted the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, who condemned the lynching of the two suspects in Makurdi, describing the action of the mob as unacceptable and counterproductive.

“Mob action obstructs justice, violates fundamental human rights, and sabotages police investigations,” the Commissioner warned.

He urged residents to report suspected criminals to security agencies rather than resort to jungle justice and assured that the Command remains fully committed to safeguarding lives and property in Benue State. 

Updates on ongoing investigations will be made public, the statement added.