An irate mob set ablaze a property containing suspected stolen motorcycles and other items on George Akume Way in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Friday.
The incident triggered heavy traffic gridlock as commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders) blocked major routes, insisting that security agencies reveal the identity of the property owner.
The suspected stolen items were uncovered through a joint effort between the police and a motorcycle owner who used a tracker to trace his stolen bike to the building.
Upon confirming that his stolen motorcycle was inside the property, the owner raised an alarm.
In response, other Okada riders gathered at the scene and, alongside the police, stormed the house, where they found multiple motorcycles, sewing machines and grinding machines— all suspected to be stolen.
The police promptly evacuated the motorcycles to the E Division Police Station in Makurdi.
Enraged by the discovery, the Okada riders blocked the busy George Akume Way and demanded that the police vacate the structure so they could set it on fire.
The police have urged anyone who has lost motorcycles, grinding machines, sewing machines or other household items to report to the E Division Police Station in Wurukum, Makurdi.
