Eight Feared Dead as Rival Cult Clashes Rock Parts of Benue State

At least eight people have been killed following a series of violent clashes between rival cult groups across several parts of Benue State, including Makurdi, Otukpo, Gboko, and Jato Aka in Kwande Local Government Area.

Security sources say the violence is linked to an escalating struggle for control and dominance between rival factions, describing the incidents as one of the most severe waves of cult-related unrest the state has witnessed in recent times.

The violence reportedly began earlier in the week, with one person killed in Otukpo and two others in Gboko. Those incidents were said to be connected to disputes over territorial control.

By Wednesday, the unrest had spread further, triggering fresh attacks in Makurdi and Jato Aka. Three people were killed in Makurdi, while two others lost their lives in Jato Aka, Kwande LGA.

An eyewitness in Makurdi described coordinated late-night shootings in the Wurukum area of the state capital.

“Those killed were a young man known as Mr. Hundred, who was shot opposite the Wurukum Mosque,” the witness said.

“Another victim, Martins Dagba, also called ‘Wonder,’ was shot beside Solace Hotels, while Aondoaseer Yisa, known as ‘Poka,’ was killed on Usman Street. All happened around the same time.”

According to the witness, the attackers fled immediately after the shootings.

“After shooting them, they disappeared. We also heard about earlier clashes in Gboko and Otukpo. It’s heartbreaking. Human life means nothing to those behind these attacks,” he added.

Reacting to the killings in Makurdi, the Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Area, Joseph Keffi, condemned what he described as the senseless killing of three residents in Wurukum, Walomayo Council Ward.

In a statement delivered through his Special Adviser on Security and Political Matters, Mark Terhide, Keffi expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and reassured residents that efforts were underway to restore calm.

He said the local government was working closely with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to strengthen security across the area.

Keffi also called on residents to obey the law, report suspicious movements, and cooperate fully with security operatives, while reaffirming the council’s commitment to peacebuilding and community development initiatives.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident in Jato Aka. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said rival cult groups identified as Red and Black engaged in a violent confrontation around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

Police officers from the Jato Aka Division were swiftly deployed to the area, she said.

“The clash resulted in the death of two male persons, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were taken to medical facilities for treatment,” Edet stated.

She confirmed that eight suspects had been arrested in connection with the violence. They include Adebo Mvaater, Pineter Akurayati, Daniel Ese, Samuel Kwaghzer, Isaac Iorapul, Terungwa Tertese, Aondonenge Aper, and Ternenge Aondokura.

During the operation, police recovered:

• Two axes

• Two machetes

• One locally fabricated firearm

• One empty ammunition shell

Edet added that other suspects fled the scene and are currently being pursued.

“We are on top of the situation. Several arrests have been made, and the suspects will be charged to court,” she said.

She also reiterated that the Commissioner of Police remains committed to stamping out cultism and all forms of criminal activity across Benue State.