Two persons killed as Rival Cult groups clash in supremacy battle
Two persons killed as Rival Cult groups clash in supremacy battle
At least two people have been killed following fresh cult-related violence in Jato Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, after rival groups clashed violently on Wednesday.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident on Thursday, attributing the bloodshed to a confrontation between members of the Red and Black confraternities.
Several others were injured before the arrival of security operatives.
Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said officers from the Jato-Aka Division were mobilised after reports of the disturbance.
She explained that the clash escalated rapidly, leaving casualties on both sides.
Giving an official account, Edet stated, “On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at about 10:30 hours, operatives attached to Jato-Aka Division responded to a violent clash between rival cult groups known as Red and Black.
“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.”
She added that eight suspects were arrested in connection with the incident. Those taken into custody are Mvaater Adebo (M), Pineter Akurayati (M), Daniel Ese (M), Samuel Kwaghzer (M), Isaac Iorapul (M), Terungwa Tertese (M), Aondonenge Aper (M), and Ternenge Aondokura (M).
In a related development on the same day, Edet disclosed that police operatives foiled a kidnapping attempt in Zaki Biam, Ukum Local Government Area, after receiving intelligence about a planned abduction of a hotel owner.
According to her, officers encountered armed suspects at the scene, leading to a gun battle. She narrated the incident thus: “Acting swiftly on the information, a patrol team attached to Ukum Division was immediately deployed to the location. Upon sighting the police operatives, the bandits opened fire.
“The patrol team responded with superior firepower, during which one of the bandits sustained fatal gunshot injuries.
“The injured bandit was rushed to the General Hospital, Zaki Biam, where he was confirmed dead by the attending medical doctor.
“The deceased was later identified as Terkaa Samuel (M), a notorious bandit from Jandekyula, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.”
Police said several weapons and items were recovered from the two incidents, including a locally made pistol, an expended cartridge, two machetes, two axes, a locally produced Beretta-style firearm, two live 9mm ammunition rounds, and a bag containing charms.
Edet noted that investigations are ongoing, with security operatives intensifying efforts to arrest other suspects who escaped during the Jato Aka clash. She added that tactical teams have been deployed to surrounding communities to track fleeing bandits believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
He urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement by providing credible information to aid ongoing operations.
The police command also reminded the public of its renewed crackdown on cult activities, citing the recent arrest of four suspected cultists in Gboko following another violent confrontation that claimed two lives.
