The Benue State Police Command has arrested 41 suspects following raids on locations described as “black spots” in Makurdi, the state capital, amid widespread fear and allegations of illegal slaughterhouses and abduction rings operating in the city.
The arrests followed disturbing claims circulating on social media about so-called “slaughter homes” allegedly used for ritual killings and other crimes in parts of Makurdi, particularly Awe Street in the Wurukum area. The reports, which have gone viral in recent days, caused panic among residents and led to calls for urgent action by security agencies.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said the police were aware of the allegations and had already taken steps to address the situation.
“I’m aware of this, and the same has been forwarded for action,” Edet said in a statement issued on Tuesday. “A raid of black spots was organised at Awe Street, Wurukum, and Wadata, where 41 suspects were arrested for screening.”
The police action followed emotional testimonies shared online by unidentified individuals who claimed to have narrowly escaped being killed after being abducted by suspected criminals. One of the most widely shared accounts came from a man who said he was abducted on December 25 while returning from a church programme in Makurdi.
According to his narration, the incident happened along the International Market area of the state capital. He said he boarded a commercial motorcycle, popularly known as an okada, at about 8:30 pm, unaware that the rider allegedly had criminal intentions.
He claimed that instead of taking him to his destination, the motorcyclist diverted to Awe Street. The man alleged that he appeared to be under some form of control or influence, which made it difficult for him to resist what was happening.
“So, I followed them into a house, the place was a dreadful place,” he narrated. “I knew in my spirit that there was a power or demonic presence operating in that place. When I became reluctant to enter, one of the boys pushed me in.”
He further alleged that he was taken into a room where he met about 10 young girls, some of whom appeared distressed and frightened.
“One was standing naked, crying, so I asked what was happening and how they got here,” he said. “I moved to the girl crying without her clothes on and asked why she was naked.”
According to the account, the crying girl told him that she had been brought to the location earlier that morning while trying to travel to Ilorin, Kwara State. She allegedly boarded a motorcycle around 5:30 am to reach the motor park before 6:00 am.
“On their way, the bike man pleaded with her that she should give him a little time to pick a parcel for a waybill,” the man quoted her as saying. “That was how she found herself there.”
The narrator further claimed that the girl told him she offered the suspects N1 million to spare her life, but they refused. These claims, though not yet verified by the police, sparked fear and anger across Makurdi and beyond.
Another social media user also shared a story of how his daughter was allegedly lured by a motorcyclist to the same Awe Street area. According to him, the girl became suspicious during the journey and quickly made an excuse to get down from the motorcycle, thereby escaping a possible attack.
Following the widespread attention generated by these reports, the Benue State Police Command said it immediately acted to prevent a breakdown of law and order. According to DSP Edet, raids were carried out in Awe Street, Wurukum, and Wadata, areas identified as possible criminal hideouts.
During the operations, 41 suspects were arrested and taken in for screening. The police did not immediately disclose the identities of the suspects or the specific offences they are being investigated for.
The command also urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could cause panic. It assured residents that investigations are ongoing and that anyone found to be involved in criminal activities would be dealt with according to the law.
The allegations have heightened fear among residents of Makurdi, especially users of commercial motorcycles. Many people say they are now more cautious about boarding okadas, particularly at night or in unfamiliar areas.
“I don’t use okada again after hearing those stories,” a resident of Wurukum said. “If the police did not act quickly, people could have taken the law into their own hands.”
Commercial motorcyclists, on the other hand, have expressed concern that the reports could affect their business. Some okada riders said they are being avoided or questioned by passengers due to fear.
“We are not criminals,” one rider said. “But because of a few bad people, everybody is now afraid of us.”
Benue State, like many other parts of Nigeria, has faced security challenges in recent years. While the state is more commonly associated with farmer-herder clashes, urban crimes such as robbery, kidnapping, and cult activities have also been reported in Makurdi and other towns.
Residents have often complained about poor lighting, abandoned buildings, and isolated streets being used by criminals as hideouts. Awe Street and some parts of Wurukum have previously been mentioned by locals as areas that require increased security presence.
The police have, from time to time, carried out raids and patrols to check criminal activities, but residents continue to call for sustained action rather than occasional operations.
DSP Edet said the police are committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property in the state. She encouraged residents to report suspicious movements and criminal activities to the nearest police station rather than relying on social media alone.
She also warned against mob action, stressing that the police would investigate the allegations thoroughly.
“The police are on top of the situation,” a senior officer said. “Anyone found guilty will be prosecuted. We also urge the public to provide useful information that can help our investigations.”
As investigations continue, the fate of the 41 suspects will depend on the outcome of police screening and further inquiries. The police are expected to confirm whether the alleged slaughterhouses actually exist and whether the claims of ritual killings and abductions are true.
For now, the arrests have brought some relief to residents, but many say they will only feel safe when the full truth is uncovered and those responsible are brought to justice.
The Benue State Police Command has assured the public that it will not relent in its duty to protect citizens and restore confidence in the security of Makurdi and its surroundings.