The Benue State Government has confirmed the arrest of 33 persons from Northern Nigeria who arrived in Makurdi in two buses and attempted to take residence in a private property at Gyado Villa.
The suspicious arrival triggered panic within the community, prompting immediate reports from concerned residents and youth leaders, including a distress call to the government through Barns Dzege and Villa Suites staff.
Acting swiftly, a combined delegation involving the Benue State Commissioner for Works and Housing, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, the Makurdi Local Government Chairman, the ALGON Chairman, and security operatives stormed the location for verification and control.
Speaking on the development, Asortar James Asortar, Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Media, confirmed that the 33 men had been brought into the state by a company registered just last month, on May 8, and were said to be staff of a purported NGO.
“Upon arrival at Villa Suites, it was discovered that all 33 individuals were brought in that same day from different northern states,” James stated.
“Initial interviews revealed that most of them could not speak English, and their purpose for settling in a private house within the community remains unclear. Security operatives have taken them into custody for interrogation to determine the true nature of their mission in Benue.”
He added that the vigilance of Gyado Villa youths and Villa Suites staff helped prevent what could have turned into a serious security breach.
In a reaction, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, appreciated the timely response of the community.
“We thank the youth of Gyado Villa and the Villa Suites team for sounding the alarm on time. Your vigilance is deeply appreciated. This incident further underscores the importance of staying alert and reporting anything suspicious,” Governor Alia said in a statement.
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