Tragedy has struck Benue State as a violent clash between rival cult groups in Gboko has resulted in the deaths of two individuals. The Benue State Police Command has swung into action, deploying all its resources to curb the rising tide of cult-related violence and bring the perpetrators to justice. This unfortunate incident has put the state on high alert, with authorities determined to restore peace and order.
Eyewitness Accounts and Police Response
The grim discovery was made early Saturday morning, January 3rd, 2026, when the police received a distress call reporting a brutal confrontation between warring cult factions. Acting swiftly, patrol and tactical teams were dispatched to the scene in Gboko town. Their prompt intervention led to the recovery of the bodies of two adult males, later deposited at the General Hospital mortuary. This incident highlights the escalating problem of inter-cult violence, which has become a growing concern in the region.
Key Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
In a significant breakthrough, the police have arrested one suspect, identified as 34-year-old Iorwuese Aluor, widely known as “Gatuso.” He is believed to be directly involved in the fatal clash. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is spearheading the investigation, working tirelessly to apprehend other individuals who managed to escape the scene. The police have made it clear that no stone will be left unturned in their pursuit of justice.
Broader Crackdown on Cultism
This Gboko incident is not an isolated event. In a related operation, the police successfully apprehended three suspected members of the Vikings Confraternity in Daudu, Guma Local Government Area. Acting on credible intelligence that the group was planning to launch violent attacks on unsuspecting residents, police operatives raided a settlement. The arrested suspects, Godwin Amough (alias “Devil Spoon”), Tarakaa Mgbaweghga (alias “Biggi”), and Terlumun Orpin, were found in possession of a locally fabricated revolver pistol and ammunition. These individuals have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further interrogation.
Preventive Measures and Public Appeal
The Benue State Police Command has also reported an incident on New Year’s Day, January 1st, 2026, where officers on patrol intercepted four suspected cultists armed with firearms and other weapons. The suspects, who were reportedly pursuing a male victim on motorcycles along the Daudu-Uikpam Road, fled into the bush upon spotting the police. The motorcycles were recovered, and an intensive manhunt has been launched for the fleeing suspects. The victim’s statement has been taken, and further investigations are underway.
Commissioner’s Strong Stance
Reacting to these disturbing events, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, has issued a stern warning against cultism and all forms of criminality in Benue State. He reassured the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to eradicating these vices through proactive, intelligence-led operations and increased police visibility. “The Benue State Police Command will not tolerate cult activity or criminality in any form,” he declared, emphasizing the dedication to protecting lives and properties.
Community Cooperation is Key
The police are urging members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding. They have also appealed for continued support and cooperation from residents, asking them to provide timely and credible information regarding any suspicious activities or movements to the nearest police station or emergency contact. The Command is confident that with the collective effort of the community, peace and security can be fully restored across Benue State.
Key Points from the Incident:
- Two people confirmed dead in a cult clash in Gboko.
- Police have arrested one key suspect and launched a manhunt for others.
- Three suspected Vikings Confraternity members arrested in Daudu with a firearm.
- Police thwarted an attack on New Year’s Day, recovering two motorcycles.
- Benue State Police Command vows to eradicate cultism and criminality.
The commitment from the authorities is clear: Benue State will not be a breeding ground for violence and terror. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to aid the police in their crucial work.
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