Two Killed in Benue Cult Clash, Polic Arrest Suspects

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the deaths of two individuals following a violent clash between rival cult groups in Gboko, even as security forces stepped up operations against cult-related activities across the state, arresting multiple suspects and recovering firearms.

According to the Command, a distress call at approximately 4:15 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, reported a deadly confrontation between rival cult factions in Gboko town. The clash left two adult males dead. “Prompt deployment of patrol and tactical teams led to the recovery of the corpses, which were deposited at the General Hospital mortuary in Gboko,” Police Public Relations Officer DSP Udeme Edet stated on behalf of the Commissioner of Police.

One suspect, identified as 34-year-old Iorwuese Aluor, also known as “Gatuso,” was arrested in connection with the incident. Investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are ongoing, with efforts continuing to apprehend other suspects who fled the scene.

In a related operation, the Command arrested three suspected members of the Vikings Confraternity in Daudu, Guma Local Government Area, following credible intelligence that the group planned to carry out violent attacks on residents. Police operatives from the Daudu Divisional Headquarters raided Tyohena Settlement around 12:45 p.m. on January 3, 2026, apprehending the suspects.

The arrested individuals include Godwin Amough, alias “Devil Spoon,” 23; Tarakaa Mgbaweghga, alias “Biggi,” 27; and Terlumun Orpin, 19, all residents of Tyohena Settlement, Daudu. A locally fabricated revolver with one live round was recovered, and the suspects were transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Makurdi for further investigation.

Police also reported that on January 1, 2026, at around 11:30 p.m., patrol operatives along the Daudu-Uikpam Road in Kuje spotted four suspected cultists on Bajaj motorcycles chasing an adult male while armed. On seeing the police, the suspects abandoned the motorcycles and fled into the bush. The vehicles were recovered, the victim’s statement recorded, and a manhunt launched to apprehend the suspects.

Reacting to the incidents, Commissioner of Police Ifeanyi Emenari condemned the violent acts and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to eliminating cultism and criminality. “The Benue State Police Command will not tolerate cult activity or criminality in any form,” he stated, emphasizing proactive, intelligence-led operations and heightened visibility policing to safeguard lives and property.

Residents have been urged to remain calm, adhere to the law, and assist security agencies by providing timely and credible information on suspicious activities. The Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring peace, security, and order across Benue State.