A fresh wave of cult-related violence has struck Benue State, claiming the life of a man identified as Tyohee Aseer in the Wurukum area of Makurdi, the state capital.
Details of the Attack
The brutal incident occurred on the night of Sunday, January 11, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m. According to reports, armed assailants, suspected to be cult members, arrived at the victim's residence on Ihumun Street, Wurukum, in a Toyota vehicle. They stormed the home and shot Aseer multiple times.
The victim was quickly rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention. However, he was confirmed dead on arrival by medical personnel, marking another tragic loss in the ongoing cult clashes within the state.
Local Government Chairman's Response
In a swift reaction, the Executive Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Council, Hon. Joseph Keffi, strongly condemned the killing. In a statement issued on Monday, January 12, 2026, by his media aide, Teran Nathaniel, Keffi described the murder as "barbaric, senseless and unacceptable."
Expressing deep sadness over the repeated loss of young lives, the Chairman extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and residents of the Wurukum community.
Wurukum Declared Area of Particular Concern
In a significant move, Chairman Joseph Keffi officially designated Wurukum, located in the Walomayo Council Ward, as a place of particular concern. This declaration follows a disturbing spate of youth killings in the area allegedly linked to unidentified cult groups.
The attack on Aseer happened barely a week after scores were killed in rival cult clashes across various parts of Benue State, highlighting the escalating security challenge.
Measures to Curb the Violence
To address the root causes of the crisis and restore peace, Chairman Keffi has announced immediate action steps:
- He has directed the Deputy Chairman to convene an emergency security meeting with youth stakeholders in the area.
- The council chairman reassured residents of his unwavering commitment to strengthening security across the local government.
- He issued a strong appeal to youths in Makurdi to shun cultism and all forms of criminal activity that threaten communal harmony and safety.
The killing of Tyohee Aseer has further heightened tensions in Makurdi, putting local authorities under increased pressure to find lasting solutions to the cult menace plaguing the community.
