Suspected cultists kill seven in Benue, 30 arrested

No fewer than seven people were reportedly killed during cult clashes in the ancient town of Gboko, Benue State.

Nine houses linked to the cultists were also razed, causing apprehension in the town.

A resident of the town who simply identified himself as Terna told our correspondent that the cult rivals engaged one another in a superiority battle on Sunday night.

It was gathered that the crisis, which started as a fight between two rival cult members, degenerated into a killing spree and burning down of houses.

“What we heard was that two rival cult members were boasting of superiority, referring to last year’s September incident.

“From there, a fight ensued leading to the death of one and before you know it, the news spread and each of the rival groups regrouped and were moving from one street to another, killing. Many people were killed and houses burnt down,” he said.

When contacted, the Chairman of Gboko Local Government Area, Isaac Mton, who spoke to our correspondent on the telephone, confirmed the crisis and said seven people were killed.

“The rival cult clashes disrupted the peace of the town. Seven lives were lost and nine houses suspected to belong to their members were burnt down.

“As I am talking to you now, the authority in collaboration with security men are going to their houses to apprehend them. So far, 30 of them have been picked up,” Mton said.

Benue State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene, however, said she was yet to get the report.