Crime
Eight Killed as Rival Cult Clashes Escalate in Benue
Eight people killed in Benue cult clashes as violence spreads across Makurdi, Otukpo, Gboko, and Jato Aka, authorities vow intensified security measures
At least eight people have been killed as rival cult clashes continue to spread across Benue State, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
Also read: Four Killed in Cult Attack at Nawfia Market, Anambra
Initial reports indicated that two people were killed in Jato Aka, Kwande Local Government Area, but subsequent incidents in Otukpo, Makurdi, and Gboko have driven the death toll higher.
State Police Command spokesperson Udeme Edet earlier disclosed the Jato Aka incident, confirmed that recent attacks stem from territorial disputes among rival gangs.
In Makurdi, three people were shot dead in separate incidents around midnight on Wednesday.
Victims included a young man known as Mr Hundred, shot opposite the Wurukum Mosque; Martins Dagba, also called Wonder, killed near Solace Hotels; and Aondoaseer Yisa, known as Poka, who was shot on Usman Street in the Wurukum area.
Eyewitnesses described the attackers as disappearing immediately after the shootings.
The Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Area, Joseph Keffi, condemned the killings, describing them as “senseless” and extending condolences to the families and communities affected.
Through his Special Adviser on Security and Political Matters, Mark Terhide, he assured residents that the council is collaborating closely with security agencies to restore peace and strengthen community safety.
He emphasised the importance of community vigilance, urging residents to report suspicious activity to security forces, and reiterated his administration’s commitment to rebuilding communities and promoting sustainable development across the local government area.
Also read: Ooni Ogunwusi Honoured for Decade of Unity, Culture
Authorities in Benue have intensified efforts to tackle cult-related activities, including the arrest of four suspected cult members in Gboko last week, which followed a separate rival cult clash that resulted in two deaths.
Police dismiss officers Anthony Obodo case has been confirmed as the Rivers State Police Command dismissed three of its officers linked to the killing of a 22-year-old University of Port Harcourt graduate, Anthony Obodo.
The State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, while parading the three officers before journalists in Port Harcourt.
According to the command, the officers were linked to the incident that occurred last Thursday along Ada George in Port Harcourt, where Obodo was shot dead.
A member of the team, an inspector who fled after the shooting, has been declared a deserter.
CP Adepoju stated that the three arrested officers were subjected to an orderly room trial. Following the conclusion of the investigation and the establishment of their culpability, they have been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and will be charged to court.
“I am here to provide updates on some serious incidents recently recorded in the state, including the investigation into the death of one Anthony A. Obodo… Following the conclusion of the investigation and the establishment of the culpability of the officers involved… the officers being paraded today have been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and will be charged to court,” Adepoju said.
The commissioner noted that he understood the concerns of Obodo’s family and members of the public, adding that the Command has taken appropriate disciplinary action against the police personnel involved.
Obodo, a graduate of the University of Port Harcourt who was reportedly awaiting his NYSC call-up letter, was shot during a police pursuit.
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