Benue Cult Clash: Three Killed as Deadly Violence Rocks Makurdi Community

Fear has gripped residents of Agwan Jukun in Makurdi after a violent clash between suspected rival cult groups left at least three people dead, triggering panic and mass displacement.

The attack began late Sunday night and stretched into the early hours of Monday, with gunmen storming the area in what witnesses described as a calculated operation. Residents say the assailants moved with precision, targeting specific individuals rather than carrying out random violence.

“They arrived and went straight for certain people. It didn’t look random at all, they knew exactly who they were after,” one resident said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The killings were reported along Market Street and Wukari Street—areas usually bustling with activity but now deserted. Many locals believe the attackers may have relied on insiders familiar with the community to identify their targets.

“The operation suggested they had insider information. It didn’t seem like they were from around here, but they clearly had help,” another resident added.

By Monday, tension remained high across the neighbourhood, particularly around the market area near a mosque. Shops stayed shut, while families fled their homes amid fears of further violence.

The anxiety has only deepened. On Tuesday, residents reported sightings of armed youths moving openly within parts of the community, raising concerns about a possible reprisal attack.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had yet to issue an official statement. Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful.

For now, Agwan Jukun remains on edge—caught between grief, fear, and uncertainty over what could come next.