From Joseph Asegba, Yola
The Benue State Police Command has raided a suspected human abattoir in Makurdi, the state capital, arresting 41 suspects in connection with the alleged criminal operation.
The raid was carried out at a building located on Awe Street, Wurkum area of Makurdi, following intelligence reports and complaints from residents, the police said.
Confirming the development on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Udeme Edet, said operatives stormed the location after receiving credible information suggesting that the premises was being used for criminal activities involving human victims.
Edet said, “Based on actionable intelligence, our operatives raided a suspected criminal hideout on Awe Street, Wurkum, Makurdi, where 41 suspects were arrested. Investigations are ongoing to determine the level of involvement of each suspect and the full nature of activities carried out at the location.”
The police spokesperson added that several victims, mostly young women, were rescued from the premises during the operation, while exhibits believed to be linked to the suspected crimes were recovered.
According to police sources, one of the rescued victims, whose identity was withheld for security reasons, narrated how she narrowly escaped being harmed after being lured by a commercial motorcycle rider late in the evening.
The victim reportedly told investigators that she was returning home from a religious programme in December 2025 when she boarded a motorcycle after trekking part of the way due to lack of transport fare. She said the rider later diverted from the agreed route under the pretext of buying fuel and collecting a parcel.
Police sources said the woman became suspicious after being taken to Awe Street behind the Benue State Library, where she was asked to wait while the rider went inside a nearby building.
After waiting for a long time, the victim reportedly attempted to alert a friend through her phone, prompting some men at the location to confront her and seize the device.
She was then forced into the building, where she claimed to have seen other young women being held against their will. The victim said she later found an opportunity to escape, raising alarm that attracted attention from nearby residents.
Edet said the command had launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, adding that all suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
“We want to assure the public that the command is committed to uncovering the truth behind this case and ensuring that anyone found culpable faces the full wrath of the law,” he said.
The police spokesperson also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies, noting that public cooperation was critical in tackling crime across the state.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command said it had increased patrols and surveillance around Makurdi and other parts of the state to prevent similar incidents and restore public confidence.
