Cult War Kills at Least 8 in Makurdi as Armed Groups Clash in Benue Capital

Early Morning Violence Rocks Benue State Capital

At least eight people were killed in the early hours of Monday in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, as rival cult groups clashed in what residents described as a terrifying midnight raid. Vanguard reported the death toll could be as high as 10, though Premium Times confirmed at least eight fatalities.

The attack targeted Aliade Street in the Wadata area of Makurdi, one of the city’s more densely populated neighbourhoods. Tori.ng reported that the assault came in the early hours when most residents were asleep, with gunfire ringing through the streets before security forces arrived.

Troops Move In, Eight Suspects Arrested

Soldiers from Sector 1 of Operation Whirl Stroke later raided the Wadata area and arrested eight suspected cultists in the aftermath of the clash, according to Zagazola Makama, a defence security intelligence analyst. The arrested suspects were handed over to the police for further investigation.

Benue State has been a flashpoint for both farmer-herder conflicts and urban cult violence for years. Makurdi, as the state capital, has seen a rise in gang-related killings — many of them linked to rivalries between criminal groups competing for territory and influence.

Fear Grips Residents

Locals described a scene of panic as the violence unfolded in the dead of night. Premium Times quoted residents saying the attackers moved through the area with firearms, targeting individuals believed to be rivals.

The casualty figure remains contested across sources — Premium Times put it at eight, while Vanguard reported as many as ten dead. This article uses the lower confirmed figure, noting the higher count is still being investigated. No official government or police statement had been issued as of Monday morning.

Sources: Premium Times, Vanguard, Tori.ng, Zagazola Makama