On Tuesday, three suspects were paraded by the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards for allegedly stealing diesel from the TRIACTA Construction Company situated in New GRA, Makurdi.
Commander of BSCVG, Captain Ayuma Ajovbi (rtd), disclosed that the suspects were apprehended on Sunday night at the construction site near the residence of the state governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia.
After discovering that the suspects were transferring diesel from the heavy-duty trucks to jerrycans with the intention of loading them into a waiting vehicle, they were caught by Volunteer Guards operatives,” Ajovbi mentioned.
Ajovbi, while showcasing the suspects, labeled the act as sabotage, emphasizing the high level of training received by BSCVG operatives, and highlighting the arrest of the suspects as a testament to their diligence in the state.
The Commander also mentioned that efforts were underway to apprehend four other suspects involved in the illegal activity.
Assuring the public, he mentioned that once the investigation was completed, the suspects would be turned over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
Emmanuel Ogbu, the Intelligence Officer of BSCVG, informed reporters that one of the suspects, known as Mohammed Adamu, attempted to bribe the operatives with N70,000 and was a black-market dealer.
BSCVG’s chief security officer, Benjamin Atsaga, revealed that the company had been a victim of such incidents due to the collaboration of staff who were later dismissed.
Atsaga expressed his surprise, saying, “It is alarming to discover that one of the suspects arrested today was previously involved in a similar crime of stealing and reselling diesel. He is a repeat offender who has breached the law on numerous occasions.”
During the parade, two of the suspects, Mohammed Adamu and Peter Zaki, admitted to being lured by certain employees of the company prior to their arrest.