Clashes by rival cult gangs in Makurdi and Jato Aka in Kwande Local Government Areas in Benue State have left at least eight people dead.
Security sources attributed the clashes to an escalating struggle for dominance among the groups, as they said the rise in violence was one of the most intense cult-related crises the state has witnessed recently.
It was learnt that clash began in Otukpo, where one was killed, and spread to Gboko where two persons were killed all for territorial control.
Both incidents in Otukpo and Gboko earlier in the week, it was learnt led to fresh clashes in Makurdi and Jato Aka on Wednesday, leading to the death of three persons in the state capital and two more in Kwande LGA.
An anonymous eyewitness revealed taht the Makurdi victims were killed in late-night coordinated shootings.
“Those killed were a young man 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.
“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.”
The Chairman of Makurdi LGA, Mr. Joseph Keffi, condemned the “senseless killing of three persons by unknown cult groups at Wurukum in Walomayo Council Ward of Makurdi LGA.”
In a statement by his spokesperson, Nathaniel Mayorofmbawa, Keffi addressed community leaders via his Special Adviser on Security and Political Matters, Mr Mark Terhide, saying his administration “is working closely with security agencies and stakeholders to intensify efforts aimed at strengthening security across the Local Government.”
He said the council would continue to support peace-building and developmental initiatives across communities, just as he sympathised with grieving families and assured residents that the council was committed to restoring normalcy.
He also appealed to residents to remain law-abiding, report suspicious activities and cooperate with security agencies to curb the violence.
The State Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said the police had already made significant progress in containing the crisis in Jato Aka.
She said 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 said eight suspects—Adebo Mvaater, Pineter Akurayati, Daniel Ese, Samuel Kwaghzer, Isaac Iorapul, Terungwa Tertese, Aondonenge Aper, and Ternenge Aondokura—had been arrested.
She said one locally made pistol, an expended cartridge, two axes, and two machetes were retrieved during the operation, adding that efforts are underway to track down the remaining suspects.
