A Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court on Thursday ordered the remand of 17 men in a Correctional Centre, for allegedly robbing and setting houses belonging to four families ablaze.

The accused persons, who live at Nenzev village in Logo Local Government Area of Benue, were charged with criminal conspiracy, mischief by fire, armed robbery and act of terrorism.

However, the Chief Magistrate, Roseline Iyorshie, did not take their plea for want in jurisdiction.

Mrs Iyorshie adjourned the matter until July 25 for further mention.

Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Insp Godwin Ato, told the court that the case was received on June 1 via a written petition by Ipeven Iaren & Co legal practitioners.

He said it was addressed to the Benue commissioner of police on behalf of Christopher Aluor and others.

Mr Ato said the petitioners stated, among other things, that Igbayima Nengem led many others and, at gunpoint, attacked and robbed them of their valuables.

The petitioners further stated that the armed men inflicted severe matchet wounds on Aondodoo Akuhe, Aondohemba Busum, Puuga Unande and Udoo Unande and set their houses ablaze, thereby destroying goods worth millions of naira.

The prosecutor said that Mr Nengem and 16 others were arrested during police investigation for committing the crime while others are still at large.

He said the offences contravened Sections 6(b) and 1(1)(2)(a)(b) of the Robbery and Firearms Act, 2004 and 337 of the Penal Code Law of Benue, 2004.

(NAN)