Two killed as rival cult groups clash in Benue

Police in Benue State have confirmed the deaths of two people following a violent clash between rival cult groups in the Wadata area of Makurdi on Sunday.

According to the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, Catherine Anene, the fight broke out near the riverside, where cult members had gathered for a meeting.

“Due to the ongoing police crackdown on cult activities, some cultists relocated to the riverside for a meeting. There, they encountered a rival group, leading to a deadly clash,” Anene said.

She confirmed that two people were killed and five suspects had been arrested, promising further updates.

Eyewitnesses reported that the conflict involved the Red and Black confraternities, who were fighting for supremacy. The violence allegedly began after a heated argument between members of both groups.

One witness, Aboh, claimed that after the initial killings, a suspected reprisal attack occurred at Wadata Police Barracks, where a man identified as Emeka was killed. Another victim was reportedly attacked at a nearby rice mill.