Benue State was shaken on Wednesday by separate security incidents involving a deadly clash between rival cult groups and a failed kidnapping attempt, leaving multiple casualties and prompting intensified police operations across affected areas.
According to the Benue State Police Command, at least two people were killed and several others injured during a violent confrontation between rival cult factions in Jato Aka, a community in Kwande Local Government Area. The clash, which occurred in the morning hours, reportedly involved two notorious cult groups known locally as the Red and Black groups.
Confirming the incident on Thursday in Makurdi, the state capital, the Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Udeme Edet, said police operatives attached to the Jato-Aka Division were alerted to the violence and immediately responded to the scene.
She explained that the confrontation broke out around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, and quickly escalated into deadly violence before law enforcement officers could fully contain the situation. By the time calm was restored, two adult males had lost their lives, while several other individuals sustained injuries of varying severity.
“The clash resulted in the death of two male persons, while other victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment,” Edet said.
Police sources noted that the injured victims were rushed to hospitals within the area, where they are currently receiving medical attention. While authorities did not disclose the exact number of injured persons, they confirmed that some sustained serious wounds.
Following the clash, police carried out a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of eight suspects believed to be directly linked to the cult-related violence. The suspects were identified as Mvaater Adebo, Pineter Akurayati, Daniel Ese, Samuel Kwaghzer, Isaac Iorapul, Terungwa Tertese, Aondonenge Aper, and Ternenge Aondokura, all males.
DSP Edet stated that the suspects are currently in custody and will be thoroughly investigated, after which they will be charged to court in accordance with the law. She added that security agencies are still pursuing other suspects who reportedly fled the area during the clash.
In a related development on the same day, the police also neutralised a suspected bandit during a gun battle in Zaki Biam, located in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. The incident occurred when police operatives foiled an attempted kidnapping of a local hotelier.
According to the police, intelligence reports indicated that armed bandits were planning to abduct the hotel owner. Acting swiftly on the information, a patrol team from the Ukum Division was deployed to the area to prevent the crime.
“Upon sighting the police operatives, the bandits opened fire,” Edet said. “The patrol team responded with superior firepower.”
During the exchange of gunfire, one of the suspects sustained fatal gunshot injuries. He was later rushed to the General Hospital in Zaki Biam, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor on duty.
Police identified the deceased as Terkaa Samuel, describing him as a notorious bandit believed to have been operating across parts of Benue and neighbouring Taraba State. According to Edet, Samuel was a native of Jandekyula in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that several weapons and other items were recovered during the two separate operations. These included one locally fabricated pistol, one expended cartridge, two axes, and two machetes from the cult clash scene. From the foiled kidnapping operation, officers recovered one locally made Beretta-style pistol, two rounds of live 9mm ammunition, and a bag containing charms.
Security officials believe some of the fleeing suspects from both incidents may have sustained gunshot injuries. As a result, additional patrols and tactical teams have been deployed to surrounding communities to track and apprehend anyone seeking medical treatment under suspicious circumstances.
Reacting to the incidents, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, reassured residents of Benue State that the command remains fully committed to protecting lives and property. He emphasized that the police would not relent in their efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.
The commissioner also called on members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent crimes and enable the swift arrest of offenders.
The police command noted that the recent incidents come amid intensified operations against cultism and violent crime across Benue State. Just last week, four suspected cult members were arrested in Gboko, following another reported clash between rival groups that claimed two lives.
Authorities say these renewed enforcement efforts are part of a broader strategy to curb cult-related violence, banditry, and kidnapping, which have posed growing security concerns in parts of the state in recent months.
Source: Africa Publicity
