Residents say the surge in crime has extended to rampant motorcycle snatching.
Residents of Zaki Biam in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State say they are living in daily terror as kidnapping syndicates, motorcycle thieves, and suspected cult groups tighten their grip on the troubled community.
It was gathered that criminal gangs had intensified threats in recent weeks, calling targeted victims and demanding cash or risk being abducted.
One source, quoted earlier by Vanguard, said the situation had become unbearable.
“People are scared because these callers sound serious and very coordinated. We need urgent help before things get out of hand,” he said.
According to him, a suspected cult group has also become increasingly bold, reportedly holding routine meetings at the shop of their alleged chairman located at the former SSS office along the Yam Market bypass leading to the Mechanic Site.
“These boys meet both during the day and very late at night. Their activities are suspicious, and everyone in the area is worried about what they are planning,” he added.
Residents say the surge in crime has extended to rampant motorcycle snatching. Thieves now target riders at night, worsening fears in a town where motorcycles serve as the major means of transportation.
“Motorcycle snatching has also escalated in recent weeks, with thieves targeting riders at night. The trend has created heightened tension, as many rely on motorcycles for transportation and business.
“And because all the motorcycle thefts have happened at night people no longer move around freely once it gets dark,” the source noted.
But what has alarmed the community the most is the kidnappers’ new tactic of issuing direct threats. In one incident, a POS operator — whose name has been withheld—was reportedly forced to pay N100,000 after receiving a threatening call from unknown gunmen warning he would be abducted if he failed to comply.
“Imagine receiving a call telling you to send money or you will be taken away. That is the kind of fear people here are living with everyday,” he said.
Residents are appealing to the police and government authorities to intervene urgently as the security situation worsens.
“We are appealing to the government and security operatives to come to our rescue. Lives and property are no longer safe, and something must be done urgently,” a distraught resident lamented.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful as calls to his line were not returned at press time.
