Residents of Zaki Biam have been thrust into a climate of worsening insecurity as criminal gangs intensify threats of kidnapping, motorcycle theft, and suspected cult activities.
The growing tension has left many families anxious, with several households now altering their routines out of fear and paying criminal gangs for their safety.
According to Vanguard, community members disclosed that unknown callers have been phoning residents, demanding money and threatening abduction for anyone who refuses to pay.
A resident who described the calls as “disturbingly organised” explained that the situation has shaken the town. He added that the threats feel “too real to ignore,” prompting widespread alarm.
Moreover, locals report that the security crisis is being deepened by the operations of a suspected cult group believed to be holding regular meetings at a shop near the former SSS office along the Yam Market bypass.
The source described the gatherings as suspicious, noting that they occur both in broad daylight and late at night. According to him, “People are unsure of what these groups are planning, and that uncertainty is feeding the fear.”
The surge in motorcycle theft has added yet another layer of anxiety to daily life. Riders have become primary targets, especially at night, forcing many residents to avoid travelling after dark.
“Every theft happens when the streets are quiet, so you can understand why people lock themselves indoors early,” the resident said.
Kidnapping threats have also become more brazen. One incident, involving a POS operator who reportedly paid ₦100,000 after receiving threatening calls, has further unsettled the community.
The resident who narrated the case said, “Imagine someone calling you from nowhere and telling you to pay up or get taken. That is the kind of fear people here live with every single day.”
Community leaders are urging swift action from security agencies, warning that the situation may escalate into something more dangerous if left unchecked.
They insist that intervention must be immediate to restore calm. “People no longer feel safe, and we fear this could get worse. We need urgent support from the authorities,” the resident stressed.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
The worsening insecurity in Zaki Biam continues to spotlight the broader challenges facing rural communities in Benue State, underscoring the need for sustained and coordinated security responses.