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Benue on The Edge as Multiple Cult Clash Claims 8 Lives
At least eight people have been killed following a surge in violent clashes between rival cult groups across several communities in Benue State, including Makurdi and Jato Aka in Kwande Local Government Area.
Security sources attributed the bloodshed to an escalating struggle for supremacy among the groups, describing the incidents as one of the most severe cult-related crises recorded in the state in recent times.
The violence reportedly began in Otukpo, where one person was killed, before spreading to Gboko with two additional fatalities, all linked to battles over territorial control. These earlier confrontations allegedly triggered fresh attacks in Makurdi and Jato Aka on Wednesday, resulting in three deaths in the state capital and two others in Kwande LGA.
An eyewitness said the Makurdi victims were killed in coordinated late-night shootings around the Wurukum area. Those identified were Mr. Hundred, who was shot opposite the Wurukum Mosque; Mr. Martins Dagba, popularly known as “Wonder,” killed near Solace Hotels; and Mr. Aondoaseer Yisa, also known as “Poka,” who was shot along Usman Street.
According to the eyewitness, the attackers fled immediately after the shootings, adding that earlier clashes in Otukpo and Gboko had heightened tensions across the state. He lamented the loss of lives, describing the killings as senseless and deeply troubling.
Reacting to the incident, Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Area, Mr. Joseph Keffi, condemned what he described as the senseless killing of three persons by suspected cult groups in Wurukum, Walomayo Council Ward. In a statement issued through his media aide, Nathaniel Mayorofmbawa, Keffi said he had reached out to community leaders through his Special Adviser on Security and Political Matters, Mr. Mark Terhide.
He expressed sympathy to the bereaved families and assured residents that the council was working closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to restore peace and strengthen security across the local government. He also urged residents to remain law-abiding, report suspicious activities, and cooperate fully with security operatives.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command confirmed the clash in Jato Aka, with police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, stating that officers swiftly responded to a violent confrontation between the Red and Black cult groups at about 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
She said the clash left two men dead, while others sustained injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Edet disclosed that eight suspects—Adebo Mvaater, Pineter Akurayati, Daniel Ese, Samuel Kwaghzer, Isaac Iorapul, Terungwa Tertese, Aondonenge Aper, and Ternenge Aondokura—had been arrested, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend others who fled.
Items recovered from the suspects included a locally made pistol, an expended cartridge, two axes, and two machetes. The police assured that those arrested would be charged to court, reiterating the Commissioner of Police’s resolve to eradicate cultism and other forms of criminality in Benue State.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.