Police React as Fire Razes Mobile Office, Armoury in Benue
- The Benue State Police Command has confirmed a fire outbreak at the Mobile Police facility in Makurdi, which also houses the unit’s armoury
- The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Sunday, destroying several offices before firefighters arrived
- Police said investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire and the extent of damage
Legit.ng's Muslim Muhammad Yusuf is a 2025 Wole Soyinka Award-winning journalist with over 8 years of experience in investigative reporting, human rights, politics, governance and accountability in Nigeria.
Makurdi, Benue - The Benue State Police Command has confirmed a fire outbreak at the building housing the Mobile Police 13 (Mopol 13) unit in Makurdi, the state capital.
The incident affected several office rooms and the unit’s armoury.
Source: Getty Images
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident to PUNCH on Sunday, saying details were still being compiled.
“Yes, I am aware of the fire outbreak at the Mopol 13 facility in Makurdi, but I will get back to you,” Edet told journalists.
Findings indicate that the fire occurred in the early hours of Sunday, razing multiple offices within the facility before spreading to the armoury section.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the fire started from one of the offices within the premises.
“I was on morning duty and at about 10 a.m. or thereabout, I saw smoke coming out from the Squadron Commander’s office,” the witness said.
“I tried to inquire, but suddenly there was heavy flame from the office. Everything got burnt. I immediately called my boss, who contacted the fire service.”
Source: Original
According to the eyewitness, firefighters arrived after the fire had already engulfed most parts of the building, limiting efforts to contain the damage.
Cause still unknown
As of the time of filing this report, the cause of the fire had not been officially determined, and the police had yet to confirm the extent of losses recorded, including whether arms or ammunition were destroyed.
The police command stated that further updates would be provided as the investigation continues.
Tension as police, army clash in Benue
Legit.ng earlier reported that operatives of the Nigeria Police's Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) and personnel of the Nigerian Army clashed in Benue State.
At least one person had been reportedly injured by a gunshot during the clash on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
The clash also led to the destruction of the official vehicle of the JTF Commander, CSP Lyam Akegh.
5,450 killed in Benue, others
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a recent report by SBM Intelligence, one of Nigeria’s top geopolitical think tanks, painted a grim picture of the country’s security situation.
SBM's report showed that Nigeria recorded at least 5,450 deaths linked to violent conflicts and criminal activities over the first eight months of 2025 (January to August).
Notably, between Sunday, September 7, and Saturday, September 13, worrisome killings were recorded in Borno, Benue, Plateau, Sokoto, and Edo state, among others.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
