Two Killed in Benue Cult Clash, Police Arrest Four Suspects

Two people have been killed following a violent clash between rival cult groups in Gboko, Benue State.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, January 3rd. According to a statement from the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, patrol teams were deployed after a distress call and recovered the bodies of two male adults. The victims have been deposited at the General Hospital mortuary in Gboko.

In response to the violence, police announced the arrest of four suspected cultists in separate operations across the state over a three-day period.

One suspect, identified as 34-year-old Iorwuese Aluor (alias “Gatuso”), was arrested in connection with the Gboko clash.

In a separate operation on Saturday afternoon, police acting on intelligence raided a suspected meeting of the Vikings Confraternity in Tyohena Settlement, Daudu. Three men—Godwin Amough (23), Tarakaa Mgbaweghga (27), and Terlumun Orpin (19)—were apprehended, allegedly while planning violent attacks.

Additionally, on New Year’s Day, police on patrol along the Daudu-Uikpam Road interrupted four suspected cultists pursuing a man on motorcycles. The suspects fled, abandoning two motorcycles and a locally fabricated revolver pistol with ammunition.

All arrested suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Makurdi for further investigation. Police say efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the cult groups.

Commissioner of Police Emenari Ifeanyi condemned the violence and reiterated the command’s commitment to stamping out cult activity and criminality through proactive operations.

He urged residents to remain calm and support security efforts by reporting suspicious activities.