Hoodlums steal soya bean from Benue seed factory

Several bags of soya bean and a threshing machine have reportedly been stolen from a seed factory in the Joseph Sarwaun Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM), Benue State.

Our correspondent reports that the factory is managed by Teryima Nigeria Limited, owners of large farms across Benue and Nasarawa states.

The owner of the factory, Vitalis Tarnongu, said the incident, which happened a few days ago, was the third in a series of produce theft within a year in the facility.

He said, “The intruders gained entry by breaking through the wall. They stole several bags of soya bean which were brought to the factory for cleaning and a threshing machine. “The repeated thefts have not only caused significant financial losses, but also disrupted operations at the factory.

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“The theft was reported to the security unit attached to Professorial Unit in South Core, JOSTUM. An investigation is underway.”

Authorities of the institution, however, said that they could not comment on the matter as the factory was being privately managed.

Contacted, police spokeswoman in the state, SP Catherine Anene, did not respond to calls put through her telephone.