Police Launch Manhunt for Fleeing Robbers After Guesthouse Raid in Minna

Police are searching for a group of heavily armed robbers who attacked a guesthouse and a nearby residence in Minna, Niger State. The incident, which took place around 2 a.m. on Thursday, saw over 30 masked men raiding the Ben Ja’am Guest House on Eastern Bye Pass Road, Tunga, and brutally injuring residents, robbing them of phones, cash, and a motorcycle.

The robbers, dressed in black and armed with machetes, stormed the guesthouse, attacking both staff and guests. A witness reported that the criminals “demanded phones from everyone,” and those in the guesthouse handed over their belongings without much resistance. One civil defence officer staying at the guesthouse tried to resist but was severely injured.

“A civil defence operative who was lodging there refused to give up his phone, claiming he had important contacts,” a source revealed. “One of the robbers struck him with a machete, and though he blocked it, the blade cut deep into his hand.” The injured officer was left bleeding, but no further harm came to him after he complied.

The robbers systematically searched the entire guesthouse, taking phones, money, and valuables from everyone they encountered. “They were more than 30, and some wore masks while others didn’t. They ordered everyone to lie down and then ransacked the rooms for valuables,” a source added.

While the robbers were looting the guesthouse, one of them noticed a man observing the crime from a nearby house. The robber shone a flashlight on the man, who quickly retreated inside. “Before the man could lock his door, about five of the robbers kicked it open,” another witness recounted. “They entered his house, took over 10 phones and N100,000 in cash from a tenant.”

The criminals also stole a brand-new motorcycle, commonly known as “rubber rubber,” which was parked in the guesthouse compound.

The robbers left the scene before police could arrive. According to Wasiu Abiodun, the Niger State Police spokesperson, the delayed report to the authorities allowed the robbers to escape. “The robbery happened at about 3 a.m., but the information did not reach us until 5 a.m.,” he explained. “By the time we arrived, the robbers had already fled. We are currently investigating the matter and will arrest and prosecute those involved.”

The police have called on the public to provide any information that could help track down the criminals. As the investigation continues, residents of Minna are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.