23 hours ago
1
A renewed wave of cult-related violence has left two dead in Jato Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, after opposing groups engaged in a bloody confrontation on Wednesday.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the development on Thursday through its spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, who revealed that the attack stemmed from a fierce struggle between members of the Red and Black confraternities.
Before security agents intervened, several persons from both camps reportedly sustained serious injuries during the melee.
Providing more details, Edet said, “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 further noted that police operatives arrested eight individuals suspected of involvement in the clash. Those apprehended include: 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).
Edet also disclosed that in a separate incident on the same day, officers confronted a group of suspected kidnappers during a foiled abduction attempt targeting a hotelier in Zaki Biam, Ukum LGA.
Narrating the encounter, she said, “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.”
Recovered items from both crime scenes include a locally made pistol, an expended cartridge, two machetes, two axes, a locally manufactured Beretta-style firearm, two live 9mm rounds, and a bag filled with charms.
According to the PPRO, security teams are still searching for additional suspects who fled during the Jato Aka clash, while tactical units have been deployed across nearby communities to track bandits believed to be on the run with gunshot wounds.
Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, reassured the public of the command’s unwavering resolve to safeguard lives and property. He encouraged residents to volunteer reliable information that would support ongoing operations.
The command also recalled its intensified anti-cultism campaign, noting that four suspected cultists were arrested in Gboko last week after another confrontation claimed two lives.
