Eight lives lost as rival cult gangs spread deadly clashes across Benue

At least eight people have been killed in a violent struggle between rival cult groups across Benue State, spanning Makurdi, the state capital, and Jato Aka in Kwande Local Government Area.

Security sources described the attacks as a brutal fight for territorial dominance.

IDOMA VOICE gathered that the clashes, which have spread to multiple towns, are being described as some of the deadliest cult-related incidents in recent memory.

Initial violence erupted in Otukpo, claiming one life, and in Gboko, where two people were killed both episodes reportedly linked to disputes over territory control.

Sources said the earlier incidents in Otukpo and Gboko escalated and spilled into Makurdi and Jato Aka on Wednesday, leaving three dead in Makurdi and two in Jato Aka.

An eyewitness described the killings in Makurdi, explaining that the victims were shot at close range in separate attacks starting around midnight.

“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.

He added: “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.”

Reacting to the killings, Makurdi LGA Chairman, 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 issued through his Media Aide, Nathaniel Mayorofmbawa, Keffi, speaking via his Special Adviser on Security and Political Matters, Mr. Mark Terhide, extended condolences to affected families and communities.

He assured residents of the council’s commitment to restoring peace.

The chairman stressed that his administration “is working closely with security agencies and stakeholders to intensify efforts aimed at strengthening security across the Local Government.”

He also urged residents to stay alert, report suspicious activities, and assist security agencies in combating criminal elements, stressing the importance of community cooperation.

Confirming the clash in Jato Aka, Benue State Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said the command was monitoring the situation closely and had made several arrests.

In a statement, Edet said operatives from the Jato Aka Division responded around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday to a violent confrontation between rival 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 added that eight suspects Adebo Mvaater, Pineter Akurayati, Daniel Ese, Samuel Kwaghzer, Isaac Iorapul, Terungwa Tertese, Aondonenge Aper, and Ternenge Aondokura, have been arrested, while others escaped.

The police also recovered one locally fabricated pistol, an expended cartridge, two axes, and two machetes. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing 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.