Three Killed, Several Injured in Fresh Cult Clash in Makurdi, Benue State, as Violence Escalates

A violent clash between rival cult groups in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, has left three people killed, several injured, and properties destroyed. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening in the Iniongun area, where a well-armed cult group launched a coordinated attack on houses believed to be sheltering leaders of a rival cult faction.

Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers carried out simultaneous assaults on multiple locations, setting multiple homes ablaze. However, the houses torched did not belong to the alleged cult leaders but to innocent landlords and tenants who had unknowingly rented their properties to persons now being hunted.

The violent clashes are believed to have been triggered by an earlier incident at Wadata during the wake-keep of a retired ex-army officer. During the event, gunmen suspected to be members of a cult group opened fire, killing three members of a rival group and injuring another.

The killings sparked reprisal attacks, and on Tuesday morning, two suspected cult members linked to the wake-keep shooting were macheted near the Rice Mill area of Wadata. They escaped with life-threatening injuries.

Residents of Wadata and Iniongun communities are living in fear due to the series of violent clashes between the rival cult groups. The situation has raised concerns about the safety and security of the communities, and the need for authorities to take decisive action to prevent further violence.

The incident highlights the need for increased security measures and community engagement to address the root causes of cultism and violence in the area. It also underscores the importance of cooperation between security agencies and the community to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of innocent lives.

As the investigation into the incident continues, residents are calling on the authorities to take concrete steps to address the security challenges in the area and prevent further violence. The government must work to create a safe and secure environment for all citizens, and ensure that those responsible for the violence are brought to justice.

The incident is a stark reminder of the need for effective security measures and community engagement to prevent cultism and violence in our communities. It is essential for the authorities to take a proactive approach to addressing the root causes of cultism and violence, and to work towards creating a safer and more secure environment for all.