Benue police on high alert after two die in Benue cult clash

By : 'Sola Akinsanmi

Date: 3 January 2026 8:32pm WAT

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The Benue State Police Command has intensified efforts to curb cult-related violence across the state after two people were killed in a violent confrontation between rival cult groups in Gboko. Several suspects have been arrested, and firearms recovered, in a series of coordinated operations.

The Command said it received a distress call at about 4:15 am on Saturday, 3 January 2026, reporting a deadly clash between rival cult factions in Gboko town.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the clash resulted in the deaths of two adult males. “Prompt deployment of patrol and tactical teams led to the recovery of the corpses, which were deposited at the General Hospital mortuary in Gboko,” she said in a statement issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police.

One suspect, identified as Iorwuese Aluor, popularly known as “Gatuso,” aged 34, has been arrested in connection with the incident. Investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are ongoing, and efforts have been intensified to apprehend other suspects who fled the scene.

In a related crackdown, three suspected members of the Vikings Confraternity were arrested in Daudu, Guma Local Government Area, following credible intelligence that the group planned violent attacks on residents. DSP Edet said police operatives from the Daudu Divisional Headquarters conducted a targeted raid at Tyohena Settlement at about 12:45 pm on 3 January, leading to the arrest of Godwin Amough, alias “Devil Spoon,” aged 23; Tarakaa Mgbaweghga, alias “Biggi,” aged 27; and Terlumun Orpin, aged 19.

A locally fabricated revolver pistol with one live round of ammunition was recovered from the suspects, who have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Makurdi for further investigation.

The Command also reported that on 1 January, at about 11:30 pm, operatives on patrol along the Daudu-Uikpam Road, Kuje area, intercepted four suspected cultists on Bajaj motorcycles pursuing a male adult while armed with guns and other weapons. “On noticing the presence of security personnel, the suspects abandoned the two motorcycles and fled into the bush,” the statement said. The motorcycles were recovered, the victim’s statement taken, and an aggressive manhunt launched to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Reacting to the incidents, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, condemned the violent acts and reassured residents of the Command’s determination to eradicate cultism and criminality.

“The Benue State Police Command will not tolerate cult activity or criminality in any form,” the CP warned. He stressed that the Command remains committed to protecting lives and property through “proactive, intelligence-led operations and enhanced visibility policing.”

The police urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding, while appealing to residents to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information on suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police formation or emergency contact.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring peace, security, and order across Benue State.

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