A violent clash between rival cult groups in the North Bank area of Makurdi town has resulted in the tragic loss of seven lives, with one victim gruesomely beheaded.
The conflict, which erupted near the North Bank Market close to the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering (NASME), stemmed from a minor disagreement between members of the Red and Black cult gangs and quickly escalated into a ferocious battle.
According to an eyewitness, the confrontation commenced when a member of one cult group was harassed by rivals at the market, prompting retaliation from his associates. The ensuing melee transformed the market into a war zone, causing traders to shutter their businesses and flee in fear. The violence persisted into Saturday as the warring factions hunted down members of the opposing group, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Calm has since been restored following the intervention of various security agencies, including the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who are actively apprehending suspects involved in the clash.
The Chairman of North Bank Market, Cibilus Odinaka, confirmed the closure of the market due to the crisis and lamented the delayed response of security personnel. He highlighted the urgent need for enhanced security measures to safeguard the market and its occupants.
Commander of Operation Shere, an anti-cult group, Nura Umar, reported that in addition to the six fatalities, one victim was beheaded and the severed head taken away. Some victims also suffered severed hands, indicating the brutality of the conflict. Umar attributed the violence to clashes between the Red and Black cults, which resulted in fatalities on both sides and collateral damage to properties, including a house near a school.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident, stating that police officers were deployed to quell the unrest. An investigation is ongoing to ascertain the extent of the casualties and bring perpetrators to justice.
