Fire outbreak has reportedly razed the office and armoury of the Police
A major fire outbreak has reportedly razed the office and armoury of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron 13, also known as Mopol 13, in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
According to reports by Sahara Reporters, the inferno completely destroyed key sections of the police facility, including the armoury and the Squadron Commander’s office, raising serious concerns over security and public safety in the state.
Video footage circulating online shows the PMF office engulfed in flames, with thick smoke billowing into the air as the fire consumed the building. The intensity of the blaze suggests that sensitive equipment and official materials may have been affected.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, with no confirmation on whether it was triggered by an electrical fault, negligence, or another factor.
There has been no official statement from the Nigeria Police Force, Benue State Fire Service, or the Benue State Government regarding:
- Possible casualties
- The extent of damage to weapons and ammunition
- Whether an investigation has commenced
This silence has fueled public speculation, especially given the strategic importance of police armouries to internal security.
Benue State has faced persistent security challenges in recent years, including armed attacks on communities and security formations. The destruction of a police armoury has therefore sparked concerns about arms control and preparedness in the state.
Security analysts warn that incidents involving police armouries require urgent and transparent investigations to rule out sabotage and prevent weapons from falling into the wrong hands.
Residents and civil society groups are calling on authorities to:
- Immediately seal off the affected facility
- Conduct a thorough investigation
- Publicly clarify whether arms were lost in the fire
Further updates are expected as security agencies release official information.
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