The Benue State Police Command has ramped up operations following a deadly cult clash in Gboko that claimed two lives. Authorities arrested one suspect and recovered weapons in related incidents across the state. The commissioner vowed to eliminate cultism and urged public cooperation.
On January 3, 2026, at around 4:15 a.m., police received a distress call about a violent clash between rival cult groups in Gboko town, Benue State. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of two adult males, whose bodies were recovered and taken to the General Hospital mortuary in Gboko.
DSP Udeme Edet, the police spokesperson, confirmed the incident in a statement. One suspect, Iorwuese Aluor, known as 'Gatuso' and aged 34, was arrested in connection with the clash. The Criminal Investigation Department is probing the matter, with efforts underway to capture other fleeing suspects.
In a separate operation that same day at 12:45 p.m. in Daudu, Guma Local Government Area, three suspected members of the Vikings Confraternity—Godwin Amough ('Devil Spoon,' 23), Tarakaa Mgbaweghga ('Biggi,' 27), and Terlumun Orpin (19)—were detained during a raid at Tyohena Settlement. Officers seized a locally made revolver pistol loaded with one round of ammunition. The suspects were moved to the State CID in Makurdi for further questioning.
Earlier, on January 1 at 11:30 p.m., patrol teams along the Daudu-Uikpam Road stopped four armed cultists on Bajaj motorcycles chasing a man. The suspects ditched their bikes and escaped into the bush; the motorcycles were impounded, and a manhunt continues.
Commissioner of Police Ifeanyi Emenari denounced the violence, stating, 'The Benue State Police Command will not tolerate cult activity or criminality in any form.' He emphasized proactive measures and visibility policing to safeguard lives and property, calling on residents to report suspicious activities.
