Rita Odafe
In a troubling resurgence of violence, four individuals have tragically lost their lives in what appears to be a cult-related conflict in North Bank, Makurdi, Benue State.
Recent reports indicate that clashes between rival cult factions led to these fatalities over the span of a week, according to DailyTrust.
On the afternoon of November 5, a building was also set on fire as tensions escalated between these groups.
Residents report that two factions, known as the Black and Red groups, have transformed North Bank into a battleground, instilling fear among local inhabitants.
“The government needs to intervene immediately, or else more lives will be lost to these cult members. There was another murder just yesterday, and as of now, we’re still hearing gunfire,” remarked a concerned local.
“We are currently making arrangements to lay yesterday’s victim to rest. Earlier today, a house on Ter-Guma Street was also destroyed. Many of these incidents go unnoticed. These criminals are attacking anyone, regardless of their affiliation with cults,” the resident added.
Nura Umar, the leader of a local vigilante group called Operation Shara (Sweep), reported that the most recent death occurred around 9 PM on November 4, mentioning that another victim was murdered earlier as well, per DailyTrust.
He expressed sorrow over the deaths, stating that the victims were all young men.
