Eight killed as cult violence spreads across Benue; Police make arrests

By Benedicta Aboh

No fewer than five additional persons were killed on Wednesday as a worsening supremacy battle between rival cult groups spread to the Wurukum area of Makurdi, the Benue State capital, and Jato Aka in Kwande Local Government Area (LGA), raising the death toll from the violence in the last few days to eight.

The clashes, described by security sources as among the bloodiest in recent times, reportedly began earlier in the week in Otukpo, where one person was killed, and in Gboko, where two others were murdered, before spilling over into Makurdi and Jato Aka over alleged “control of territory.”

According to eyewitness accounts, three persons were shot dead in separate attacks in Wurukum, Makurdi, while two others lost their lives in Jato Aka, Kwande LGA.

An eyewitness said the attacks in Makurdi started around midnight. “Those killed were a young man known as Mr. Hundred, who was shot opposite the Wurukum Mosque; Mr. Martins Dagba, also called ‘Wonder,’ who was killed beside Solace Hotels; and Mr. Aondoaseer Yisa, popularly known as ‘Poka,’ who was shot on Usman Street, all within the Wurukum area,” the source said.

He added, “After shooting them, their attackers vanished into thin air. We later learned there were earlier clashes in Gboko and Otukpo as well. Human life means nothing to those behind these killings. It is very sad.”

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Area, Mr. Joseph Keffi, strongly condemned what he described as the “senseless killing of three persons by unknown cult groups” in Wurukum, Walomayo Council Ward.

In a statement issued by his Media Aide, Nathaniel Mayorofmbawa, the chairman, while addressing communities through his Special Adviser on Security and Political Matters, Mr. Mark Terhide, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and affected communities.

He assured residents of the council’s commitment to restoring peace, saying his administration “is working closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to intensify efforts aimed at strengthening security across the local government.”

Keffi urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and to promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies, stressing that community collaboration was crucial to defeating criminal elements and ensuring lasting peace.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command confirmed the clash in Jato Aka. The Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Udeme Edet, said operatives of the Jato Aka Division responded to the violence at about 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

“The operatives responded to a violent clash between rival cult groups known as Red and Black,” Edet said. “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 disclosed that eight suspects were arrested in connection with the incident, including Adebo Mvaater, Pineter Akurayati, Daniel Ese, Samuel Kwaghzer, Isaac Iorapul, Terungwa Tertese, Aondonenge Aper, and Ternenge Aondokura, while others fled the scene.

According to her, police recovered one locally fabricated pistol, one expended cartridge, two axes and two machetes during the operation. “We are on top of the situation. Several arrests have been made, and the suspects will be charged to court and prosecuted. The Commissioner of Police remains resolute in eradicating cultism and all forms of criminality across the state,” Edet added.