Residents of Zaki Biam in Ukum LGA, Benue State, are gripped by fear as criminal activities escalate, including kidnapping threats, motorcycle theft, and suspected cult operations.
A community source told Vanguard correspondent over the weekend that residents have been receiving calls from unknown individuals demanding money and thr+atening abduction.
“People are scared because these callers sound serious and very coordinated. We need urgent help before things get out of hand,” he said.
He added that insecurity has worsened due to the activities of an alleged cult group that reportedly meets at the shop of its suspected leader, located at the former SSS office along Yam Market bypass.
“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.”
Motorcycle theft has also surged. Thieves reportedly target riders at night, creating heightened tension in a community where motorcycles are essential for transport and livelihood. “Because all the motorcycle thefts have happened at night, people no longer move around freely once it gets dark,” he said.
The fear is intensified by kidnapping threats. “One case involved a POS operator who allegedly paid ₦100,000 after being threatened by criminals who warned they would kidnap him if he refused. 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 every day,” he added.
Residents are calling for urgent intervention from security agencies. “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,” he lamented.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful at press time.
