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A wave of violence has reportedly gripped Awe Street in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, with claims of at least 24 people killed since last night into this morning, including two additional victims this morning, according to a viral social media post.
The alarming post by local user Ajih Daniel, shared widely on social media, states:
“Mkd is bleeding since last night awe street killings. Allegedly 24 last night n this morning two down again.”
The post has sparked serious concern among residents already weary of recurring insecurity in parts of the city. Awe Street and surrounding areas have previously been flagged in security reports as hotspots for cult-related activities, abductions, and street crime.
According to circulating accounts tied to the incident, the killings on Awe Street are believed to be acts of revenge for the recent murder of a young man alleged to be named Emmanuel. Details remain unconfirmed and sketchy at this time, with no official police statement immediately available on the specific trigger. Such retaliatory violence is not uncommon in areas plagued by cultism and vigilante-style justice, where personal or group scores are settled outside the law.
Makurdi has seen multiple incidents of cult clashes and targeted killings in recent months. Awe Street itself was the focus of a major police raid earlier this year, during which several suspects were arrested in connection with abductions, robberies, and other crimes in the area.
Benue State continues to grapple with layered security challenges, including cult-related violence in urban centers like Makurdi, farmer-herder conflicts, and banditry in rural areas. Residents of Makurdi have repeatedly protested rising killings and demanded better protection. The latest reports of street killings on Awe Street risk further heightening tensions in an already volatile environment.
As of now, the exact circumstances, identities of victims, and perpetrators remain unverified by official sources. The Benue State Police Command is urged to swiftly investigate the claims, restore order, and prevent further escalation. Eyewitness accounts and social media reports, while useful for early alerts, often require careful corroboration to separate facts from rumors in such charged situations.
Authorities should prioritize community engagement, intelligence-led operations, and addressing underlying issues like youth unemployment and cult recruitment that fuel street violence.
Our thoughts are with the families of those affected. In times like these, restraint and reliance on lawful institutions are critical to breaking cycles of revenge and retaliation.
We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more confirmed information emerges from the police or credible local sources.
Stay safe, Makurdi. Report suspicious activities to security agencies.
This is a developing story.
