By Peter Duru
Makurdi—No fewer than eight individuals have been killed in a lethal supremacy battle between rival cult teams throughout elements of Benue State, together with Makurdi, the state capital, and Jato Aka, in Kwande Native Authorities Space, in what safety sources described as a fierce struggle for territorial management.
The bloody clashes, which have unfold throughout a number of cities within the state, are believed to be among the many deadliest cult-related confrontations in current instances. The violence had earlier erupted in Otukpo city, the place one individual was killed, and in Gboko city, the place two individuals had been murdered, all reportedly linked to a fierce battle over management of territory.
Sources disclosed that the Otukpo and Gboko incidents, which occurred a number of days in the past, spilled into Makurdi and Jato Aka in Kwande LGA on Wednesday, ensuing within the deaths of three individuals in Makurdi and two others in Jato Aka.
An eyewitness narrated that the victims in Makurdi had been shot at shut vary throughout separate assaults that started round midnight.
“These killed had been a younger man named Mr. Hundred, who was shot reverse the Wurukum Mosque. Additionally shot inside the identical time was Mr. Martins Dagba, also referred to as ‘Surprise,’ who was killed beside Solace Accommodations, and Mr. Aondoaseer Yisa, also referred to as ‘Poka.’ He was shot on Usman Avenue, all within the Wurukum space of Makurdi city,” the eyewitness stated.
He added: “After taking pictures them, their attackers vanished into skinny air. We discovered there have been earlier separate fights in Gboko and Otukpo additionally. Human life is value nothing to these behind these clashes and killings. That is unhappy.”
Reacting to the event, the Chairman of Makurdi Native Authorities Space, Mr. Joseph Keffi, strongly condemned what he described because the “mindless killing of three individuals by unknown cult teams at Wurukum in Walomayo Council Ward of Makurdi LGA.”
In a press release issued by his Media Aide, Nathaniel Mayorofmbawa, the chairman decried the killings whereas addressing communities within the space by his Particular Adviser on Safety and Political Issues, Mr. Mark Terhide.
Extending his condolences to the bereaved households and communities mourning their family members, Keffi assured residents of the council’s agency dedication to making sure peace within the space.
He reiterated that his administration “is working intently with safety businesses and stakeholders to accentuate efforts geared toward strengthening safety throughout the Native Authorities.”
The chairman additional emphasised his resolve to rebuild communities, improve safety, and promote sustainable growth throughout the LGA.
He urged residents to stay calm and vigilant and to promptly report suspicious actions to safety businesses, stressing that group collaboration stays crucial in defeating felony parts and entrenching lasting peace within the space.
Confirming the conflict in Jato Aka, the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Udeme Edet, stated the command was on prime of the scenario, with a number of arrests already made.
In a press release, Edet disclosed that operatives connected to the Jato Aka Division of the command, on Wednesday at about 10:30 a.m., “responded to a violent conflict between rival cult teams referred to as Crimson and Black.
“The conflict resulted within the dying of two male individuals, whereas different victims sustained various levels of accidents and had been taken to close by medical amenities for therapy,” she stated.
In response to her, the police intervention led to the arrest of eight suspects, recognized as Adebo Mvaater, Pineter Akurayati, Daniel Ese, Samuel Kwaghzer, Isaac Iorapul, Terungwa Tertese, Aondonenge Aper, and Ternenge Aondokura, whereas different suspects fled.
Edet added that the operation additionally resulted within the restoration of 1 domestically fabricated pistol, one expended cartridge, two axes and two machetes, noting that efforts had been ongoing to arrest different fleeing suspects concerned within the violence.
“We’re already on prime of the scenario, a number of arrests have been made and they are going to be charged to court docket and persecuted. The Commissioner of Police stays resolute in his dedication to eradicate cultism and all types of criminality throughout the state,” she stated.
The submit Bloodbath in Benue: Rival cult gangs kill 8 in supremacy clash appeared first on Vanguard News.
