Three courts and a judge were held hostage by no fewer than 10 gunmen in Makurdi, Benue State capital on Wednesday, Punch reports.

According to an eyewitness, the gunmen arrived the courts which were close to the state police headquarters at about 8am.

It was gathered that the gunmen invaded the Benue State High Court 9, Chief Magistrate’s Court and the Upper Area Court.

Justice Mary Abounu, Presiding Judge of the Benue State High Court 9 and wife of the deputy governor was already seated when the gunmen broke in.

“Actually, the first court the hoodlums visited was the Magistrate’s Court 1. They broke into the courtroom and the chambers, where they carted away one computer, a printer, a generator as well as files for various cases,” said Isaac Ajim, a magistrate.

Ajim said, “After the criminals were done with my court, they proceeded to High Court 9, presided over by the wife of the deputy governor, Justice Mary Abounu, and carted away a refrigerator, three stabilisers, a set of computer, window blinds and left behind empty bottles of drinks.”

Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Michael Gusa also confirmed the incident, advising youths to desist from criminality.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, said three security guards have been invited for questioning.

Azeez