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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.
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.