From Rose Ejembi, Makurdi
A 38-year-old man, Gabriel Uyuwa, has confessed that he stole fourteen commercial motorcycles from their owners in the last seven years.
Uyuwa, who was among five suspected commercial motorcycle snatchers paraded by the Benue State Police Command yesterday, said his stock in trade was to steal packed motorcycle.
Speaking with Daily Sun at the command’s headquarters, Uyuwa said he used to stealing motorcycles from Nasarawa and sell them in Abinsi, area of the state.
He explained that he got tired of his way of life and decided to surrender himself to law enforcement agency so that he could benefit from the amnesty programme of Governor Samuel Ortom.
“I have suffered in my life and now, I want to rest. That is why I decided to report myself to the police so that I can benefit from Governor Ortom’s amnesty programme. I came because I wanted the police to take me to the Governor so that he can find something for me to feed my family. But when I came, they arrested me.”
Asked how he sold the stolen motorcycles, Uyuwa who disclosed that he started the motorcycle theft business since 2009, said as a mechanic, he usually dismantle the stolen motorcycles before selling them as spare parts.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Moses Yamu, said Uyuwa surrendered himself to the Vigilance group in Guma when he discovered that the police had closed in on him.
The PPRO revealed that 14 motorcycles snatchers had been arrested in recent times with 18 motorcycles recovered. He explained that some of the suspects had already been charged to court while the remaining six would be charged today.
He said the ban on motorcycle riding between 8pm and 6am as directed by the state government was still in force, warning that even security personnel would be excused if caught flouting the directives.