Benue: Two die as police arrest four cultists, recover weapons

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

The Benue State Police Command has announced the arrest of four notorious cultists and the recovery of arms and ammunition from them.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, and issued to journalists on Saturday.

The command condemned recent cult-related violent incidents across the state, reiterating its firm resolve to combat all forms of cult activities, violent crimes, and threats to public safety.

The Police Commissioner said: “On January 1, 2026, at about 23:30 hrs, while on convoy patrol along Daudu–Uikpam Road, Kuje area, the command’s operatives sighted four suspected cultists mounted on Bajaj motorcycles pursuing a male adult with guns and other dangerous weapons.

“Upon noticing the presence of security personnel, the suspects abandoned the two motorcycles and fled into the bush.”

He said the abandoned motorcycles were recovered to Daudu Divisional Police Headquarters.

According to him: “The victim’s statement was recorded, and police anti-cult operatives embarked on aggressive manhunt to apprehend the fleeing suspects.”

The Commissioner also stated that in the early hours of January 3, 2026, at about 04:15 hrs, the command received a distress call in Gboko reporting a violent clash between rival cult factions which resulted in the tragic deaths of two male adults.

He said prompt deployment of patrol and tactical teams led to the recovery of the corpses, which were deposited at the General Hospital mortuary in Gboko.

In connection with the violence, one suspect, Iorwuese Aluor, alias “Gatuso” (34 years), of No. 64 Benue Street, Gboko East, has been arrested while investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects.

In another development, on 3rd January 2026, at about 12:45 hrs, acting on credible intelligence that members of the Vikings Confraternity were holding a meeting at Tyohena Settlement, Daudu, with the intention of launching violent attacks on citizens, operatives of the Daudu Divisional Police Headquarters stormed the location.

During the operation, three notorious suspects were arrested, namely: Godwin Amough, alias “Devil Spoon”, aged 23 years; Tarakaa Mgbaweghga, alias “Biggi”, aged 27 years; and Terlumun Orpin, aged 19 years, all males of Tyohena Settlement, Daudu.

Meanwhile, a locally fabricated revolver pistol with one live round of ammunition was recovered from the suspects. The arrested suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (State CID), Makurdi, for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the cult group who are currently at large.

The Commissioner condemned the violent acts and assured the public that the Benue State Police Command will not tolerate cult activity or criminality in any form.

He stated that the command remains committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting lives and property through proactive, intelligence-led operations and enhanced visibility policing.

Emenari urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and supportive of security efforts by providing timely and credible information on suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police formation or emergency contact.

He reiterated the command’s unwavering dedication to ensuring peace, security, and order throughout Benue State.