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Tragedy struck Gboko, the traditional headquarters of the Tiv nation in Benue State, in the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026, when a fierce confrontation between rival cult factions claimed the lives of two adult males. The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident following a distress call received at approximately 4:15 a.m., prompting the swift deployment of patrol and tactical teams to the scene.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, the clash resulted in the recovery of the victims’ bodies, which were subsequently deposited at the Gboko General Hospital mortuary for autopsy. In connection with the violence, police arrested one suspect identified as Iorwuese Aluor, alias “Gatuso,” a 34-year-old resident of No. 64 Benue Street, Gboko East.
The incident forms part of a broader police crackdown on cultism across the state. Separate operations led to the arrest of additional suspects, including four individuals spotted on January 1, 2026, along the Daudu–Uikpam Road allegedly chasing a victim while armed, and others raided during a reported confraternity meeting in Tyohena Settlement on January 3. Arms and ammunition were recovered during these interventions.
Commissioner of Police Emenari Ifeanyi strongly condemned the acts, reiterating the Command’s zero-tolerance policy toward cult activities and criminality. He assured residents of continued proactive measures, including intelligence-led operations and enhanced patrols, to protect lives and property.
This latest clash adds to concerns over recurring cult-related violence in Benue, particularly in urban centers like Gboko and Makurdi, where supremacy battles among secret societies have historically led to loss of life and heightened insecurity. Authorities urge the public to provide timely information to aid in apprehending fleeing suspects and preventing further escalations.
