Two people were killed on Wednesday during a rival cult clash in Jato Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
The Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, who disclosed this to journalists in Makurdi on Thursday, said the violent clash was between Red and Black cult groups.
Several members of the rival cults were reported to have sustained varying degrees of injuries during the clash.
She said, “On Wednesday, January 7, 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 added that during the operation, eight suspects were arrested in connection with the incident. The arrested suspects include Mvaater Adebo (M), Pineter Akurayati (M), Daniel Ese (M), Samuel Kwaghzer (M), Isaac Iorapul (M), Terungwa Tertese (M), Aondonenge Aper (M), and Ternenge Aondokura (M).
The command spokesperson further said that a suspected bandit was on Wednesday killed in a gun duel with policemen who foiled a kidnap attempt on a hotelier in Zaki Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of the state.
“Acting swiftly on the information, a patrol team attached to Ukum Division was immediately deployed to the location. Upon sighting the police operatives, the bandits opened fire.
“The patrol team responded with superior firepower, during which one of the bandits sustained fatal gunshot injuries.
“The injured bandit was rushed to the General Hospital, Zaki Biam, where he was confirmed dead by the attending medical doctor. The deceased was later identified as Terkaa Samuel (M), a notorious bandit from Jandekyula, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State,” Edet said.
The Police Public Relations Officer listed items recovered from the two operations, including one locally fabricated pistol, one expended cartridge, two axes, and two machetes.
Others include one locally fabricated Beretta pistol, two rounds of live 9mm ammunition, and one bag containing charms.
While stating that efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects involved in the cult-related violence, Edet said additional patrol and tactical teams had been deployed to surrounding areas to trace and arrest fleeing bandits who escaped with possible gunshot injuries.
The Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, reassured residents of the state of the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
He, however, encouraged members of the public to continue to support the police with timely and credible information that could aid crime prevention and detection.
The state command said it had in recent days intensified efforts against cult-related activities in the state, following the arrest of four suspected cult members in Gboko last week, during which two persons were reportedly killed in a rival cult clash.
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