At least three people were killed on Wednesday in a clash between rival cult groups in Jato-Aka town in Kwande LGA of Benue State.
Our correspondent reports that the incident led to the police arresting eight suspected cultists and recovering weapons.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the police spokesperson in the state, DSP Udeme Edet, said police operatives attached to the Jato-Aka division responded promptly to the incident and met two male victims confirmed dead while scores of others sustained injuries and were taken to medical facilities.
Edet said the victims died during a confrontation between rival cult groups identified as Red and Black, which erupted at about 10am.
She further said eight arrested suspects in connection with the clash were Mvaater Adebo, Pineter Akurayati, Daniel Ese, Samuel Kwaghzer, Isaac Iorapul, Terungwa Tertese, Aondonenge Aper and Ternenge Aondokura.
She listed items recovered from the suspects to include one locally fabricated pistol, one expended cartridge, two axes and two machetes.
Edet said efforts were ongoing to arrest other suspects who fled the scene.
In a similar development, she said a young man was reportedly killed during a cult-related violence around Zone HB in Otukpo town in Otukpo LGA.
Witnesses said the young man who was simply identified as Abu was shot dead on Tuesday after rival CULT groups continued to clash across several parts of the town.
Daily Trust
