At least three persons have been killed following a violent clash between suspected rival cult groups in Agwan Jukun, a suburb of Makurdi, Benue State.
The violence, which began on Sunday night and stretched into the early hours of Monday, triggered panic across the community, forcing residents to flee their homes while businesses shut down abruptly.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers stormed the area around 8 p.m., targeting specific individuals in what appeared to be a coordinated operation.
“They arrived and went straight for certain people. It didn’t look random at all, they knew exactly who they were after,” a resident, who requested anonymity, said.
The killings reportedly occurred along Market Street and Wukari Street, with some locals suspecting that the assailants relied on insider information to identify their victims.
“The operation suggested they had insider information. It didn’t seem like they were from around here, but they clearly had help,” another source said.
By Monday, tension remained high, particularly around the market area near a mosque, as fears of further violence persisted.
“Many people have left the area, and shops are still closed. There’s a lot of fear,” another resident noted.
Fresh concerns emerged on Tuesday, with reports of a possible reprisal attack after some youths were allegedly seen moving around parts of the community with weapons.
