Report from Benue State, North Central Nigeria says, no fewer than eight people have lost their lives in a series of brutal confrontations between rival cult gangs across multiple locations in the State, including Makurdi and Jato Aka in Kwande Local Government Area.
Security insiders say the clashes stem from an escalating struggle for dominance among the groups.
The wave of violence, which has swept through several communities, is being described as one of the most intense cult-related crises the state has witnessed recently.
The unrest reportedly first broke out in Otukpo, where one fatality was recorded, and later in Gboko, where two individuals were killed all said to be linked to a battle for territorial control.
According to sources, the incidents in Otukpo and Gboko earlier in the week triggered fresh outbreaks in Makurdi and Jato Aka on Wednesday, resulting in three deaths in the state capital and two more in Kwande LGA.
An eyewitness reported that the Makurdi victims were targeted in late-night coordinated shootings.
“Those killed were a young man named Mr. Hundred, who was shot opposite the Wurukum Mosque.
“Also shot within the same time was Mr. Martins Dagba, also known as ‘Wonder,’ who was killed beside Solace Hotels, and Mr. Aondoaseer Yisa, also known as ‘Poka.’ He was shot on Usman Street, all in the Wurukum area of Makurdi town,” the eyewitness said.
“After shooting them, their attackers vanished into thin air. We learned there were earlier separate fights in Gboko and Otukpo also. Human life is worth nothing to those behind these clashes and killings. This is sad,” he added.
Responding to the killings, Chairman of Makurdi LGA, Mr. Joseph Keffi, condemned what he termed the “senseless killing of three persons by unknown cult groups at Wurukum in Walomayo Council Ward of Makurdi LGA.”
The statement, released through his media aide, Nathaniel Mayorofmbawa, noted that Keffi addressed community leaders via his Special Adviser on Security and Political Matters, Mr. Mark Terhide.
He sympathised with grieving families and assured residents that the council was committed to restoring normalcy.
Keffi reaffirmed that his administration “is working closely with security agencies and stakeholders to intensify efforts aimed at strengthening security across the Local Government.”
He added that the council would continue to support peace-building and developmental initiatives across communities.
He also appealed to residents to remain law-abiding, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with security agencies to curb the violence.
Meanwhile, confirming the situation in Jato Aka, Benue State Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said the police had already made significant progress in containing the crisis.
In her statement, she explained that officers from the Jato Aka Division responded swiftly on Wednesday around 10:30 a.m. to a violent confrontation involving the Red and Black cult groups.
“The clash resulted in the death of two male persons, while other victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment,” she said.
Edet disclosed that eight suspects—Adebo Mvaater, Pineter Akurayati, Daniel Ese, Samuel Kwaghzer, Isaac Iorapul, Terungwa Tertese, Aondonenge Aper, and Ternenge Aondokura—had been apprehended, while several others escaped the scene.
She added that one locally made pistol, an expended cartridge, two axes, and two machetes were recovered during the operation. Efforts are underway to track down the remaining suspects.
“We are already on top of the situation, several arrests have been made and they will be charged to court and persecuted.
“The Commissioner of Police remains resolute in his determination to eradicate cultism and all forms of criminality across the state,” she said. – DP
Share your thoughts on the story Cult Cashes Claim Eight Lives Across Benue Communities with Nigerian Kicker in the comments.
