Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Zaki-Biam, Benue State — Tension briefly gripped one of Nigeria’s most important agricultural trading hubs this month after a suspected theft at the bustling Zaki-Biam Yam Market triggered alarm among traders and onlookers, highlighting broader concerns over security and public order in the region. The incident, which unfolded on Friday, December 27, 2025, saw a man identified as a suspected yam thief apprehended by vigilant marketgoers before being taken into custody by security authorities, prompting authorities and community leaders to urge calm while investigations continue.
Situated in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, the Zaki-Biam Yam Market is renowned as the largest mono-product yam trading centre in Nigeria and among the biggest in Africa, handling hundreds of truckloads of produce on a daily basis and serving as a pivotal link in the distribution of the staple tuber to markets across the country and beyond. Given its scale and economic importance, the market remains a vibrant hub of activity attracting traders, buyers and transporters from across the Middle Belt and neighbouring states.
According to local reports, the suspected theft was first noticed by a resident, Shagbaor Shagari Chaverkpw, who raised the alarm amid a crowded section of the market. Traders and buyers quickly responded, restraining the individual and preventing what could have escalated into a more serious confrontation or attempted escape. Security operatives were then called to the scene, taking the suspect into custody and launching further inquiries into the incident.
Eyewitnesses and local media identified the suspect as Imoter Daniel, a vehicle conductor reportedly from Plateau State, who was alleged to have been attempting to steal yams from a stall when he was spotted. The swift action of the market community in detaining the suspect was widely praised, though many emphasised the importance of handing matters over to law enforcement to ensure proper legal process and avoid the risks associated with mob justice.
Earlier in December, a separate but related incident also underscored the market’s vulnerability to petty crime and the potential for disruption. On December 18, 2025, traders foiled an attempted yam theft when they caught and restrained a man in the act, again highlighting the proactive role of local communities in safeguarding their commercial environment. Those present called for greater cooperation with security agencies to strengthen patrols and improve surveillance around the market grounds.
The apprehension of the suspected thief comes amid an environment of heightened concern over insecurity in Zaki-Biam and surrounding areas. Residents in recent months have reported a rise in criminal activity, including kidnapping threats and motorcycle snatching, fuelling fear among traders and commuters alike. In mid-November 2025, residents described being targeted by criminals demanding “protection fees” in exchange for safety, an ominous sign of growing boldness among criminal elements in the community.
Benue State authorities have been under growing pressure to address incidents of crime and disorder across the region. While official responses to the recent market theft have not yet been fully detailed by the state police command, local reactions suggest there is strong community support for transparent investigations and for proportional security responses that protect both people and economic activity.
The Zaki-Biam Yam Market’s significance to local livelihoods and to Nigeria’s agricultural economy makes even isolated incidents of theft or unrest notable. Yams not only represent a staple food crop in Nigeria but are an important cash commodity for farmers and traders whose income depends on predictable and secure market operations. Disruptions can have ripple effects on prices and trade flows, particularly as the market serves as a nexus for distribution to urban centres and export corridors.
In the broader context of Benue State, insecurity has been a persistent challenge. The region has experienced communal clashes, herder-farmer conflicts and banditry over the past decade, with periodic violent attacks impacting farming communities and prompting calls for sustained security interventions and community policing initiatives. Independent studies have documented that insecurity has contributed to declines in agricultural output in parts of the state, emphasising the need for long-term strategies that integrate security with economic development objectives.
Local civil society actors and traders’ associations have underscored the importance of balancing firm law enforcement with community engagement. Many believe that empowering local vigilance groups, improving lighting and patrols within the market, and establishing clear channels for reporting suspicious activity can collectively deter petty crime and foster greater confidence among traders and visitors.
As the investigation into the suspected theft continues, market leaders and community elders have reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and order. They have called on the Nigeria Police Force, community protection guards, and relevant state agencies to work closely with local stakeholders to ensure justice is served while upholding the rights and safety of all parties involved.
For now, normal trading activities at the Zaki-Biam Yam Market have resumed, although the recent incidents have left many participants more aware of the risks posed by opportunistic crime. There is a shared hope among residents and traders that collaborative efforts between community members and security forces will reduce the likelihood of similar events occurring in the future and reinforce the market’s role as a cornerstone of Benue’s agricultural economy.
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