A significant fire has gutted the building housing the Mobile Police 13 (Mopol 13) unit in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, destroying several offices and the unit's armoury. The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, January 4, 2026.
Eyewitness Account of the Blaze
According to an anonymous eyewitness who was on morning duty, the fire was first noticed around 10 a.m. Smoke was seen emanating from the Squadron Commander's office before flames quickly engulfed the area. The witness stated that attempts to inquire about the situation were met with a sudden intensification of the fire, which proceeded to burn everything in its path. The fire service was alerted after the witness contacted a superior officer.
Firefighters reportedly arrived at the scene after the blaze had already consumed a large portion of the building. Their efforts were primarily focused on containing the fire and preventing it from spreading further, as the initial damage was extensive.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, confirmed awareness of the incident to journalists on Sunday. Edet indicated that details were still being compiled and promised to provide more information later. The police command has stated that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the precise cause of the fire.
A critical aspect of the probe will be to ascertain the full extent of the damage and losses. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any arms or ammunition stored in the armoury were destroyed in the inferno. The police have assured the public that updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Context of Security in Benue State
This fire incident occurs against a backdrop of ongoing security challenges in Benue State. Notably, this is not the first recent incident involving security forces in the state. In November 2025, a clash between operatives of the police's Operation Zenda Joint Task Force and Nigerian Army personnel resulted in at least one gunshot injury and the destruction of an official vehicle.
Furthermore, security reports have painted a grim picture of the region. A study by SBM Intelligence indicated that Nigeria recorded over 5,450 conflict-related deaths in the first eight months of 2025, with Benue being among the states experiencing violent incidents.
The destruction of a police facility, particularly one containing an armoury, raises serious concerns and underscores the volatile security environment. The outcome of the police investigation into the Makurdi fire is eagerly awaited to clarify the circumstances and prevent future occurrences.
