Police in Benue State have arrested eight suspected cultists following a violent clash between rival cult groups in Jato Aka, Kwande Local Government Area. The confrontation claimed two lives and left several others injured.
The Command spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, told newsmen on Thursday that the clash occurred on Wednesday between members of the Red and Black cult groups.
“On Wednesday, 7th January 2026, at about 10:30 hours, operatives attached to Jato-Aka Division responded to a violent clash between rival cult groups known as Red and Black.”
“The clash resulted in the death of two male persons, while other victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment,” Edet said.
The suspects arrested include Mvaater Adebo, Pineter Akurayati, Daniel Ese, Samuel Kwaghzer, Isaac Iorapul, Terungwa Tertese, Aondonenge Aper, and Ternenge Aondokura.
In a related operation, police foiled a kidnap attempt on a hotelier in Zaki Biam, Ukum LGA, engaging in a gun duel with a suspected bandit. One of the bandits, later identified as Terkaa Samuel from Jandekyula, Wukari LGA of Taraba State, sustained fatal gunshot injuries and was confirmed dead at the General Hospital, Zaki-Biam.
Items recovered from both incidents included two locally fabricated pistols, ammunition, axes, machetes, and a bag containing charms.
Edet said additional patrol and tactical teams had been deployed to trace fleeing suspects. Commissioner of Police Ifeanyi Emenari assured residents of the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging the public to provide timely and credible information to aid crime prevention.
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