Angry Mob Burns House Containing Allegedly Stolen Motorcycles and Other Items in Benue

An irate mob set fire to a property containing suspected stolen motorcycles and other items on George Akume Way in Makurdi on Friday.

The incident caused major traffic gridlock as commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders) blocked the main road, demanding that security agencies disclose the identity of the property owner.

The suspected stolen items were traced through a collaboration between the police and a motorcycle owner, who used a tracker to locate his stolen bike at the house. Upon confirming its presence, the owner alerted other Okada riders. Together with police officers, they entered the building and discovered several motorcycles, sewing machines, and grinding machines—all suspected to have been stolen. The police subsequently evacuated the items to E Division Police Station in Makurdi.

Furious over the discovery, the Okada riders barricaded George Akume Way and set the property ablaze, insisting that the police vacate the premises before doing so.

Authorities have urged anyone with complaints about stolen motorcycles, grinding machines, sewing machines, or other household items to report to E Division Police Station in Wurukum, Makurdi.