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The management of the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) has announced that security personnel at the Food Basket Brewery successfully thwarted an attempted arson attack in the early hours of February 4, 2026.
According to a press release issued by BIPC on the same day, the incident occurred around 4:00 a.m. when suspected arsonists attempted to breach the brewery’s perimeter fence from the rear section, near the raw materials store. The intruders were reportedly carrying cans believed to contain Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, with the apparent intention of setting parts of the facility on fire.
Security teams promptly detected the suspicious activity and mobilized to intercept the suspects. Upon noticing the rapid response, the intruders fled the scene, abandoning their cans and mission. No damage was inflicted on the brewery, and normal operations continue without interruption.
BIPC commended the alertness, professionalism, and bravery of its security personnel, crediting their timely intervention with averting what could have been significant damage to a key state asset. The company stated that it is collaborating closely with relevant security agencies to investigate the incident, apprehend those responsible, and bring them to justice.
In response to the event, BIPC has reinforced surveillance and security measures across all its facilities to prevent any future attempts.
The Food Basket Brewery, a subsidiary of BIPC, is highlighted in the release as a collective asset of the people of Benue State. Established to generate employment, drive economic growth, and boost internally generated revenue for state development, the facility forms part of broader efforts to industrialize Benue—often referred to as Nigeria’s “Food Basket”—amid ongoing challenges including insecurity in parts of the region.
BIPC urged residents of Benue State to take ownership of these public investments by staying vigilant and immediately reporting any suspicious activities around BIPC facilities to the appropriate authorities.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its assets and maintaining uninterrupted operations for the benefit of all stakeholders.
This foiled attack comes at a time when Benue continues to grapple with various security issues, though no immediate links to broader patterns of violence were suggested in the release. Authorities have not yet released further details on suspects or motives.
