The Benue State Police Command has declared a state of high alert and launched a series of coordinated operations across the state. This decisive action comes in the wake of a violent confrontation between rival cult groups in Gboko which resulted in the tragic loss of two lives.
Deadly Dawn Clash in Gboko
According to an official statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the Command received a distress call at approximately 4:15 am on Saturday, 3 January 2026. The call reported a fierce clash between cult factions in Gboko town. Police patrol and tactical teams were promptly deployed to the scene.
The intervention led to the recovery of the corpses of two adult males who lost their lives in the incident. The bodies have been deposited at the General Hospital mortuary in Gboko.
One suspect, identified as 34-year-old Iorwuese Aluor, popularly known as “Gatuso,” has been apprehended in direct connection with the Gboko violence. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched a full-scale investigation, with manhunts ongoing for other suspects who fled the scene.
Coordinated Raids Net More Suspects and Weapons
In a related crackdown on cult activities, police operatives acting on credible intelligence conducted a targeted raid in Daudu, Guma Local Government Area. The operation, which took place at about 12:45 pm on 3 January, targeted members of the Vikings Confraternity who were allegedly planning violent attacks on residents.
The raid resulted in the arrest of three suspects:
- Godwin Amough, alias “Devil Spoon,” aged 23
- Tarakaa Mgbaweghga, alias “Biggi,” aged 27
- Terlumun Orpin, aged 19
From the suspects, the police recovered a locally fabricated revolver pistol with one live round of ammunition. They have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Makurdi for further interrogation.
Police Reassure Public, Vow Zero Tolerance
The Command also reported another incident on 1 January at about 11:30 pm, where operatives on patrol along the Daudu-Uikpam Road in the Kuje area intercepted four armed suspected cultists on Bajaj motorcycles who were pursuing a man. The suspects abandoned their two motorcycles and fled into the bush upon seeing security personnel. The motorcycles were recovered and a manhunt initiated.
Reacting to these incidents, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, strongly condemned the violent acts. He reassured residents of the Command's unwavering determination to root out cultism and criminality from Benue State.
“The Benue State Police Command will not tolerate cult activity or criminality in any form,” CP Emenari warned. He emphasized that the Command remains committed to protecting lives and property through proactive, intelligence-led operations and enhanced visibility policing.
The police have urged the public to remain calm and law-abiding while appealing for continuous support. Residents are encouraged to provide timely and credible information on suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or via emergency contacts to aid the security efforts.
