At least four people have reportedly been killed, and houses set ablaze following a renewed cult clash between rival groups in the North Bank area of Makurdi, Benue State’s capital.
Sources indicate that the victims were killed in various parts of North Bank during violent confrontations between the Black Axe and Supreme Vikings confraternities on Sunday and Monday, leading to panic among residents. Many locals, including traders, quickly closed their shops and fled the area to avoid the escalating violence.
The anti-cultism group in North Bank, known as Operations Shara, confirmed the incidents. Alhaji Haruna Nuhu, the chairman of the group, reported that the clashes began around 9 p.m. on Saturday and continued through Monday.
“As of yesterday, only one person was killed, but last week two more people were targeted, with one of the victims brutally dismembered,” Nuhu said. He also revealed that another person was shot in the eye on Monday.
A local resident, who requested anonymity, confirmed the death toll and described the scene as chaotic, with houses being torched at Ter Guma Street.
“The ongoing cult clashes in North Bank have disrupted economic and social life,” the resident said, adding that “people are being killed indiscriminately, regardless of whether they are members or not.”
Despite multiple attempts, the Benue State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, was unavailable for comment.