At least five persons were killed on Wednesday as a violent supremacy battle between rival cult groups spread across parts of Benue State, prompting intensified security operations and multiple arrests by the police.
The latest killings occurred in Wurukum area of Makurdi, the state capital, and Jato Aka community in Kwande Local Government Area (LGA), bringing the death toll from the renewed cult violence in the last few days to eight.
Findings showed that the clashes, which reportedly began earlier in the week in Otukpo and Gboko towns over alleged control of territory, escalated on Wednesday and spilled into Makurdi and Kwande LGAs.
One person was earlier killed in Otukpo, while two others lost their lives in Gboko before the violence spread further.
Eyewitnesses said three young men were shot dead in separate attacks around midnight in Wurukum, Makurdi.
One of the victims was killed opposite Wurukum Mosque, while two others were gunned down near Solace Hotels and along Usman Street. The assailants reportedly fled the scenes immediately after the attacks.
In Kwande LGA, police confirmed that two male persons were killed during a violent clash between rival cult groups at Jato Aka on Wednesday morning, while several others sustained injuries and were taken to medical facilities for treatment.
Reacting to the killings in Makurdi, Chairman of Makurdi LGA, Mr. Joseph Keffi, condemned the incident, describing it as a “senseless act of violence.”
In a statement issued by his Media Aide, Nathaniel Mayorofmbawa, Keffi extended condolences to the affected families and assured residents that the council was working closely with security agencies to restore peace.
He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security operatives by reporting suspicious activities, stressing that community collaboration was key to tackling criminality.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command said it had made significant arrests in connection with the violence.
Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, disclosed that operatives of the Jato Aka Division arrested eight suspects following the clash in Kwande LGA.
She listed the suspects as Adebo Mvaater, Pineter Akurayati, Daniel Ese, Samuel Kwaghzer, Isaac Iorapul, Terungwa Tertese, Aondonenge Aper and Ternenge Aondokura.
Items recovered from the suspects include a locally fabricated pistol, an expended cartridge, two axes and two machetes.
SP Edet said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects, assuring that those arrested would be charged to court.
“The command is on top of the situation. Several arrests have been made, and the suspects will be prosecuted. The Commissioner of Police remains resolute in eradicating cultism and all forms of criminality across the state,” she said.
