A devastating fire has razed the office of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron 13 in Makurdi, Benue State, triggering explosions from the armoury.
The inferno broke out around 3 a.m. on Sunday in the Old Government Reservation Area (GRA), near the Makurdi branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Eyewitnesses reported that loud explosions from the ammunition store caused widespread panic among residents.
“The fire triggered serious fear because you could hear loud sounds of ammunition exploding. People were scared and didn’t know what was happening,” a witness said.
The fire, which started at the rear of the building, spread rapidly. Speculation points to a possible power surge as the cause, though this remains unconfirmed. “No one could really tell what triggered the fire, but the general impression is that it could have been caused by an electrical surge,” the witness added.
The situation was compounded as flames reached the armoury, making the area too dangerous to approach. “The troubling part was the armoury. You could hear repeated explosions and ignition of weapons, and it became extremely risky for anyone to move near the place,” the source stated.
Personnel from the Benue State Fire Service battled the blaze for hours before bringing it under control. Significant damage was inflicted on the building, including the office of the Squadron Commander, with arms and operational materials reportedly destroyed.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident, stating, “Yes, I am aware of the fire outbreak at the PMF Squadron 13 facility in Makurdi, but I will get back to you.”
Authorities have not determined the exact cause, and investigations are ongoing. The destruction of the armoury has raised serious security concerns in the state.
