Three people have been killed in a violent clash between suspected rival cult groups in Agwan Jukun, a residential area of Makurdi, Benue State, sparking fear and disruption in the community. The incident, which began on Sunday night and continued into Monday morning, left residents in shock and many fleeing their homes. Commercial activities in the area were suspended as panic spread, with shops remaining closed and movement restricted. The violence has drawn widespread concern over rising insecurity in the region.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers arrived around 8 p.m. on Sunday, moving with clear intent and targeting specific individuals. “They arrived and went straight for certain people. It didn’t look random at all, they knew exactly who they were after,” said a resident who spoke on condition of anonymity. The attacks were concentrated along Market Street and Wukari Street, areas known for their bustling commercial activity. Residents believe the assailants may have had local support, possibly through informants who helped them identify their targets.
“There’s no way they came in without knowing the layout or who to go after. It suggests they had insider information,” another local resident noted. Although the attackers appeared to be outsiders, their precision and coordination point to prior planning. The aftermath has left the community on edge, particularly around the market area near a mosque, where tension remains high. Many families have abandoned their homes, seeking safety elsewhere, while others remain indoors out of fear of further violence.
By Tuesday, new concerns emerged as some residents reported seeing groups of youths openly carrying weapons in different parts of Agwan Jukun. This development has raised fears of a possible reprisal attack, deepening the sense of insecurity. Despite the gravity of the situation, efforts to get an official statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, have been unsuccessful. As of the time of filing, no update or response had been issued by the police authorities.
The incident underscores the persistent threat of cult-related violence in Benue State, a region that has struggled with communal and youth-related conflicts in recent years. The lack of immediate official response has fueled frustration among residents, who are calling for swift action to restore peace. Authorities are now under pressure to investigate the killings, apprehend the perpetrators, and prevent further escalation. The situation remains volatile, and the community is anxiously awaiting intervention to bring stability back to Agwan Jukun.
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