By Amos Aar
MEMBERS of the Benue State Motorcycle Hirers Association (BEMOA), Makurdi branch, on Monday staged a protest against their chairman, Comrade John Adue, accusing him of colluding with the Benue State Police Command to under-declare the number of stolen motorcycles recovered from a criminal hideout in Makurdi.
The protesters, who barricaded the union’s office and attempted to set it ablaze, alleged that about two hundred (200) motorcycles were recovered, contrary to the 11 announced by the police. They further claimed the chairman accepted the figure because he had allegedly benefited financially.
During the demonstration, riders also blocked the Makurdi–Aliade Road around First Bank, Wurukum, and were seen in a video throwing stones.
Comrade Adue, however, dismissed the allegations. He said the issue began on Thursday night, November 20, 2025, when a stolen motorcycle was tracked to a hideout opposite Ikyenge Plaza along George Akume Way.
“The owner alerted the police, and when they got there, they broke into the premises. When he saw his motorcycle, he simply used his spare key and rode it out. Apart from his, other machines were heaped there. They had all been dismantled; some had their engines removed, others had no seats, and the seats were far more than the frames. The police counted only the motorcycle frames, not the other dismembered parts”, Adue explained.
A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Udeme Edet, confirmed the number with other details
“On November 20, at about 1830hrs, police received a distress call about a stolen Bajaj motorcycle tracked to a compound along George Akume Way. Patrol teams arrived to find a crowd of youths. Inside the premises, eleven suspected stolen motorcycles, forty-seven motorcycle seats, fuel tanks, criminal charms, three mattresses, one single-barrel firearm, and other items were recovered.
“Two suspects escaped but were captured and lynched by members of the public before police arrival. They were taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Wadata, where they were confirmed dead. The State CID has taken over the investigation.”
When contacted on Wednesday, Adue said any rider who visited the hideout before the motorcycles were moved and who had photos or videos should submit them.
“I wasn’t there when the machines were recovered on Thursday. I was only informed on Friday and went to see them at the station. On Saturday, the DCO of E Division told me the Commissioner of Police had directed that all the recovered machines be taken to headquarters. He said an inventory was taken and gave me a copy, so that anyone who lost a motorcycle can check the list in my office. If you see yours, I will take you to headquarters to retrieve it.
“So, anyone claiming there were more machines should bring proof. I was told the police moved them in two Hilux vehicles. How is it possible to transport 200 motorcycles in two Hilux vehicles?”
Adue alleged that opponents who lost elections within the association sponsored Monday’s protest. “Some people who lost out against me in the elections are doing everything possible to remove me from office. Even now, we have a case in court”, he said.
Three Okada riders contacted by National Record said they had no photos or videos from the scene but maintained that the number of recovered motorcycles was higher than what the police disclosed.
