Rival Cult Groups Clash In Benue, Police Confirms Death Of Right Persons

By Ayodele Oni

Benue state Police Command has confirmed outbreak of cult war in  parts of the state leading to the death of some people.

In a statement, spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Udeme Edet, disclosed that operatives attached to the Jato Aka Division of the command have, “responded to a violent clash between rival cult groups known as Red and Black.

“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.

Assuring that the command is on top of the situation, Edet, revealed that several several arrests have already been made.

According to her, the police intervention led to the arrest of eight suspects, while others fled.

Edet added that the operation also resulted in the recovery of one locally fabricated pistol, one expended cartridge, two axes and two machetes, noting that efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects involved in the violence.

“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

It was gathered that battle for supremacy, which reportedly led to the death of eight people ensued between rival cult groups across parts of the State.

Areas affected include Makurdi, the state capital, and Jato Aka, in Kwande Local Government Area, in what security sources described as a fierce fight for territorial control.

The bloody clashes, which have spread across several towns in the state, are believed to be among the deadliest cult-related confrontations in recent times.

The violence had earlier erupted in Otukpo town, where one person was killed, and in Gboko town, where two persons were murdered, all reportedly linked to battle over control of territory.