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A suspected motorcycle snatcher has been arrested in Abuja following a swift tracking operation that began in Makurdi, Benue State, after the victim—an okada rider—had installed a tracking device on his bike.
According to a detailed account shared on social media by community commentator D’nnaked Elder Sughnen, the suspect, identified as Mr. Abdullahi Balkisu, allegedly snatched the motorcycle from an okada rider in Makurdi. The suspect then transported the stolen bike to Abuja. However, the quick response of the victim, who had fitted the motorcycle with a tracker, enabled police to trace the device’s signal to the Federal Capital Territory, where the suspect was apprehended along with the recovered bike.
The incident has reignited discussions about the growing menace of bike snatching in parts of Benue State, particularly around areas such as Awe and Wadatta in Makurdi. The post claimed that some individuals from certain ethnic groups in those vicinities have been deeply involved in such activities, a statement the author acknowledged had drawn criticism from some quarters when previously raised.
Highlighting the role technology played in the arrest, the commentator praised the effectiveness of trackers and called for broader adoption among commercial motorcycle operators. The writer urged the President of the Benue Motorcycle Operators Association (BEMOA) to establish a dedicated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) department with the sole responsibility of installing and managing trackers for all registered okada riders across Benue State.
The proposed ICT unit, according to the suggestion, should also maintain a centralized website for the registration of all commercial motorcycle operators in the state. Such a system, the post argued, would facilitate easier monitoring and supervision, simplify revenue generation for local authorities, and significantly reduce the rate of insecurity linked to stolen bikes used in crimes.
The successful recovery in this case has been cited as a practical example of how simple tracking technology can aid law enforcement and deter would-be thieves. While police authorities in either Makurdi or Abuja have not yet issued an official confirmation of the arrest, the incident underscores the increasing reliance on personal security measures by commercial riders amid persistent complaints of motorcycle theft in urban centers.
Community voices continue to advocate for institutional support, including partnerships between motorcycle unions, security agencies, and tech providers, to curb bike-related crime and enhance safety for both riders and the general public in Benue State.
