At least four individuals have been killed in a renewed violence believed to be linked to a cult clash in the North Bank area of Makurdi, Benue State.
The suspected cultists engaged in a fierce battle for supremacy, resulting in the deaths of four people over the course of one week, as reported by Daily Trust.
Reports indicate that the violence escalated on Tuesday afternoon, November 5, when a building was set on fire amidst the ongoing clash between rival cult groups.
Residents said that the two groups, known as the “Black” and “Red” cults, had turned the area into a battleground, forcing many to flee in fear.
A local resident shared, “The government needs to intervene now, or more lives will be lost to these cult members. Another killing took place yesterday (Monday), and even now, we can still hear gunshots.”
The resident continued, “Arrangements are being made to bury the victim from yesterday’s clash, and earlier today, a house was set on fire on Ter-Guma Street. Many of these incidents go unreported. These criminals attack indiscriminately, targeting both cult members and innocent people.”
Nura Umar, commander of the local vigilante group Operation Shara (Sweep), confirmed the latest killing occurred around 9 p.m. on Monday, November 4, with another death earlier in the week.
He expressed concern over the brutal nature of the killings, saying that one victim was decapitated with his body discarded, while another had his skull crushed.
Umar said, “It’s truly devastating. One person was shot in the eyes yesterday (Monday), and last week, three people were killed. It’s a battle for supremacy between the Black and Red cults.”
