At least three people have reportedly been killed
following a violent clash between suspected rival cult groups in the Agwan
Jukun area of Makurdi, Benue State.
Residents said the incident occurred between the night
of Sunday, May 4, and the early hours of Monday, May 5, 2026, throwing the
community into panic and forcing many residents to flee their homes.
According to eyewitness accounts, the violence began
around 8 p.m. when armed individuals stormed the area and reportedly targeted
specific persons in what appeared to be a coordinated attack. Businesses in the
area were abruptly shut as fear spread across the neighbourhood.
Witnesses, who spoke on condition of anonymity,
described the attackers as organised and precise in their movements, suggesting
they had prior knowledge of their targets. Some residents also alleged that the
attackers may have had inside information from within the community.
The killings were reported along Market Street and
Wukari Street, with locals claiming the attack was linked to ongoing cult
rivalry in the area.
By Monday, tension remained high, especially around
the market area near a mosque, as residents feared possible further attacks.
Many shops remained closed while some families continued to relocate for
safety.
On Tuesday, some residents raised concerns about a
potential reprisal attack, noting that youths were seen moving around with
weapons, further heightening insecurity in the community.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement as
of the time of this report, while residents continue to call for urgent
security intervention to prevent further escalation.
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