Benue cult clash killings leave at least three dead in Makurdi suburb, forcing residents to flee amid rising fear and security concerns.
At least three persons have been killed following a violent confrontation between suspected rival cult groups in Agwan Jukun, a suburb of Makurdi, leaving residents in fear and disrupting normal activities across the community.
The killings reportedly began on Sunday night and continued into the early hours of Monday, triggering widespread panic as armed attackers stormed the area and targeted specific individuals.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants arrived around 8pm and moved with unusual coordination, heading directly to their victims along Market Street and Wukari Street.
One resident described the assault as highly organised and deliberate, suggesting the attackers may have had prior knowledge of their targets and possible insider assistance within the community.
Another source said the attackers did not appear to be locals, but seemed to have been guided with precision, raising fears of informants aiding the operation.
Following the incident, commercial activity in the area ground to a halt as residents fled their homes, with shops around the market and mosque area remaining closed amid heightened tension.
By Monday, the atmosphere remained volatile, with many residents expressing fear of further attacks and choosing not to return home.
On Tuesday, reports emerged of renewed anxiety after groups of youths were allegedly seen carrying weapons in parts of the community, fuelling concerns over a possible reprisal attack.
Attempts to obtain an official response from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Security presence in the area has yet to be visibly reinforced, while residents continue to call for urgent intervention to restore calm.
