Security tightened in Markudi amid kidnap fears

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, has ordered the strengthening of security at all boarding schools in and around Makurdi, the capital of Benue State.

This follows recent threats in a letter purportedly issued by elements claiming to be Boko Haram members to two all-boys Secondary Schools - Government College, Makurdi, and Mount Saint Gabriel College Makurdi.

The members threatened to kidnap the boys in a manner reminiscent of the abduction of girls in Chibok last month.

According to Frank Mba, Force Public Relations Officer, the Benue State Police Command, working in conjunction with the State Ministry of Education and the affected school authorities, have strengthened surveillance in the Schools and other Boarding Schools within Makurdi metropolis.

He added that the Police have commenced investigations aimed at ascertaining the source and authenticity or otherwise of the said hand-written letter now in possession of the Force.


“The Police High Command wishes to advise residents of all host communities nationwide where boarding schools are located to remain perpetually on the alert and report any suspicious movement to the appropriate authorities,” he said.

More than 200 schoolgirls are missing following the abduction in Borno State.