A fire outbreak has destroyed parts of the Mobile Police Squadron 13 facility in Makurdi, Benue State, including sections of its administrative offices and armoury.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident on Sunday, saying the blaze affected the building housing the mobile police unit, though full details were still being compiled.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, acknowledged the development but said the command was yet to conclude its preliminary assessment.
“Yes, I am aware of the fire outbreak at the Mopol 13 facility in Makurdi, but I will get back to you,” she said.
Eyewitnesses said the fire broke out in the morning hours, beginning from one of the offices within the complex before spreading rapidly to other parts of the building.
A source who was on duty at the time said smoke was first noticed coming from the office of the squadron commander before flames engulfed the structure.
“At about 10 a.m., I noticed smoke coming from the squadron commander’s office. Shortly after, it turned into a serious fire and the entire place was affected before help arrived,” the witness said.
Firefighters were contacted, but by the time they reached the scene, much of the building had already been consumed by the flames.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire or the value of property lost.
The police said investigations are ongoing to establish what triggered the incident and to assess the full extent of the damage.
No casualties were reported as at the time of filing this report.