BREAKING: 33 Northern migrants arrested in Makurdi

The Benue State Government has confirmed the arrest of 33 individuals from Northern Nigeria who arrived in Makurdi under suspicious circumstances, intensifying fears amid recent killings in the state.

The group, conveyed in two buses, reportedly attempted to settle in a private residence at Gyado Villa, sparking alarm among residents and local youth leaders. Distress calls were quickly placed to authorities, including through community figures like Barns Dzege and staff at Villa Suites.

Responding swiftly, a delegation comprising the Benue State Commissioner for Works and Housing, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, the Makurdi Local Government Chairman, the ALGON Chairman, and security personnel, arrived at the scene to assess the situation.

Comrade Asortar James Asortar, Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Media, revealed that the 33 men were brought into the state by a company registered only a month ago, on May 8, and claimed to be employees of a supposed non-governmental organization.

“All 33 individuals arrived the same day from various northern states,” Asortar said. “Preliminary interviews showed that most of them could not speak English, and their reason for settling in a private residential area remains unclear.”

He confirmed that security operatives have taken the men into custody for questioning to determine the real intent behind their presence in the state.

Asortar commended the vigilance of the Gyado Villa youths and Villa Suites staff for their proactive response, noting that their alertness helped avert what could have been a major security threat.

Reacting to the incident, Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia expressed gratitude to the community for their timely intervention.

“We appreciate the youth of Gyado Villa and the Villa Suites team for their swift action. This is a clear example of community vigilance at its best,” the governor said. “It also underscores the importance of remaining alert and reporting anything suspicious.”