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No fewer than eight people have been confirmed killed as rival cult clashes spread across Benue State.
The spokesperson for the state police command, Udeme Edet, earlier on Thursday, disclosed that two people were killed in a rival cult clash in Jato Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of the state.
Our correspondent reliably learnt on Thursday that the death toll has risen to eight as the clashes spread to the Otukpo, Makurdi and Gboko Local Government Areas of the state in the last few days.
Findings by PUNCH Metro revealed that the rival gang fights, which earlier in the week took place in Otukpo town, where one person was killed, and in Gboko town, where two people were killed about a week ago, remain among the bloodiest in recent times. Punch
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PUNCH Metro gathered from multiple sources that the Otukpo and Gboko incidents could be linked to “control of territory”, spilling into Makurdi and Jato Aka in Kwande on Wednesday, leading to the deaths of three persons in Makurdi and two in Jato Aka.
An eyewitness in one of the communities, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the incident, told PUNCH Metro that the victims of the Makurdi clash were shot at close range during separate attacks that started at about midnight on Wednesday.
“Those killed were a young man who goes by the name Mr Hundred, who was shot opposite the Wurukum Mosque.
“Also shot around the same time were Martins Dagba, also known as ‘Wonder’, who was killed beside Solace Hotels, and Aondoaseer Yisa, also known as ‘Poka’. He was shot on Usman Street, all in the Wurukum area of Makurdi town.
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“After shooting them, their attackers disappeared into thin air. We learnt there were earlier separate fights in Gboko and Otukpo as well. Human life is worth nothing to those behind these clashes and killings. This is sad,” the source, who did not want to be named, said.
The Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Area, Mr Joseph Keffi, who confirmed the Wednesday incident to journalists on Thursday, condemned what he termed the “senseless killing of three persons by unknown cult groups at Wurukum in Walomayo Council Ward of Makurdi LGA.”
The chairman, in a statement by his media aide, Nathaniel Mayorofmbawa, decried the development while addressing communities within the area through his Special Adviser on Security and Political Matters, Mark Terhide.
He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and communities mourning their loved ones and assured them of the council’s firm commitment to ensuring peace within the region.
He reiterated that his administration was working “closely with security agencies and stakeholders to intensify efforts aimed at strengthening security across the local government.”
The chairman further emphasised his commitment to rebuilding communities, enhancing security and promoting sustainable development across the local government.
He urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and encouraged them to promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies, stressing that community collaboration remains critical to defeating criminal elements and entrenching lasting peace across the LGA.
PUNCH Metro reports that the state command had intensified efforts to tackle cult-related activities. This includes the arrest of four suspected cult members in Gboko last week, during which two people were reportedly killed in a rival cult clash.
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