Eight people lost their lives in what authorities believe was a cult-related attack in Makurdi early Monday morning. The killings happened across multiple locations in the High Level area of Benue's capital city.
Witnesses said the violence erupted around 2am on Aliade, Onitsha and Owerri streets. The attack left residents terrified and searching for answers.
Joseph Keffi, chairman of Makurdi Local Government Area, confirmed the incident to journalists on Monday. He described the killings as "quite ugly and pathetic."
According to Keffi, armed youths on motorcycles stormed a residential compound where four people slept. They forced the residents outside and shot them dead.
Four additional victims emerged after hearing the gunfire. They were also shot and killed by the attackers.
Keffi told reporters the violence stemmed from a feud between rival cult groups. A suspected cultist from North Bank area had clashed with his gang members, he explained.
"The cult member ran to stay with his friend in High Level," Keffi said. "His friends and relatives who accommodated him weren't cultists, but they paid with their lives."
A suspect named Odinaka is believed responsible for the carnage. Security forces have arrested him before but later released him, Keffi noted.
He expressed frustration with the pattern. "We hope police will do due diligence this time and keep him locked up," the council boss stated.
Security agencies responded quickly to distress calls from residents. Officers cordoned off the affected areas but the attackers managed to escape.
Hospital authorities received the eight bodies at two facilities. Benue State University Teaching Hospital and Madonna Hospital are preserving the victims' remains.
Keffi said his administration continues working with police and vigilante groups to restore peace. "We're committed to tackling this insecurity," he told journalists.
State Commissioner of Police Ifeanyi Enemari also confirmed the attack occurred. However, he put the death toll at six people rather than eight.
This attack marks the second major incident in Makurdi in less than a week. Just six days earlier, three people died during a similar cult clash in Agwan Jukun.
Residents remain on edge as cult violence continues plaguing the city. Many are calling for stronger police presence and swifter arrests of suspects.
