2 killed in Benue cult clash

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the death of two suspected cultists during a clash between rival groups on Saturday in Gboko town. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to newsmen in Makurdi. Edet stated that the command received a distress call regarding a violent confrontation […]

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the death of two suspected cultists during a clash between rival groups on Saturday in Gboko town.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to newsmen in Makurdi.

Edet stated that the command received a distress call regarding a violent confrontation between rival cult factions in Gboko, which resulted in two fatalities.

According to the spokesperson, the prompt deployment of patrol and tactical teams to the scene led to the recovery of the bodies, which have since been deposited at the General Hospital’s mortuary at Gboko.

The statement said, “In connection with the violence, one suspect, 34-year-old Iorwuese Aluor (alias ‘Gatuso’) of No. 64 Benue Street, Gboko East, has been arrested.

“Investigations by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) are ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to arrest other fleeing suspects.”

In a related development on the same day, the command, acting on credible intelligence, uncovered a meeting of the “Vikings Confraternity” at Tyohena Settlement in Daudu, Guma Local Government Area.

During that operation, three notorious suspects were arrested including Godwin Amough (alias ‘Devil Spoon’), (23); Tarakaa Mgbaweghga (alias ‘Biggi’) (27) and Terlumun Orpin (19)—all male residents of Tyohena Settlement.

The police spokesperson added that a locally fabricated revolver pistol and one round of live ammunition were recovered from the suspects.

They were immediately transferred to the State CID in Makurdi for further investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ifeanyi Emenari, strongly condemned all forms of violence and assured the public that the command will not tolerate cultism or criminality in any form.