Eight reportedly killed by suspected cultists in Benue community
At least eight individuals were killed in a shooting incident attributed to suspected cult activity in the High Level area of Makurdi, the capital of Benue State.
The attack took place early Monday morning along Aliade Street when armed men reportedly arrived around 2 a.m. and opened fire on residents. A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that the assailants targeted young men staying in a compound on the street.
“Some armed individuals entered the area in the middle of the night and attacked people in one of the houses. About eight persons were killed during the attack,” the source said.
Hon. Joseph Keffi, Chairman of the Makurdi Local Government Area, described the incident as tragic and linked it to ongoing cult activities in the region. He explained that the attackers arrived on motorcycles and approached a specific compound where they allegedly confronted four individuals sleeping. After waking them, they shot them dead.
Keffi added that four additional residents who emerged in response to the gunfire were also killed.
“It is unfortunate and painful. From the information available, the incident was cult-related,” Keffi said.
The council chairman noted that one of those being pursued by rival cult groups had recently escaped from the North Bank area of Makurdi and sought refuge with friends in High Level. He clarified that the victims were not members of any cult but were targeted for sheltering the suspect.
“What we heard is that a cult member who had issues with his group escaped from North Bank and hid with his friends at High Level. Sadly, those killed were innocent people who only provided him accommodation,” he stated.
Keffi remarked that he had informed local security agencies about the situation and expressed confidence in their ability to apprehend the culprits. He mentioned that residents identified one of the suspected gang leaders known for orchestrating violent attacks in Makurdi and surrounding communities.
“He strikes and disappears. Anytime he returns, several people end up dead. People are worried about how he keeps escaping,” he said.
The chairman praised security forces for their prompt response and noted that security measures in the area have been intensified while investigations and a manhunt for the suspects continue.
The remains of the deceased have been taken to the morgues of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and a private hospital in Makurdi.
In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer DSP Udeme Edet indicated that detectives were promptly deployed to the scene. Preliminary investigations suggested that the attack was cult-related and involved a gang allegedly led by a suspect known as “Odinaka,” who has a reputation for similar criminal activity.
Authorities reported that 11 individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, with ongoing efforts to capture the alleged gang leader and other members who remain at large.
