Violence Erupts in Makurdi: Two Killed, Homes Torched in Cult Clashes and Communal Strife
In Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, at least two individuals lost their lives on Sunday night as numerous houses were set ablaze in the North Bank Area. The incident marks a resurgence of cult-related killings and communal clashes between the Tiv and Jukun ethnic groups in the region.
The violence, which commenced on Sunday evening, persisted into the early hours of Easter Monday, intensifying tensions in the area.
An eyewitness, narrowly escaping death, revealed to EPRODITY that the conflict was sparked by the alleged murder of two youths by a suspected cult faction.
As the situation escalated, it evolved into a communal feud between the Tiv and Jukun communities, both prominent in the affected areas. According to reports, residences belonging to members of both tribes were engulfed in flames, resulting in significant property damage.
James Dwem, the chairman of Makurdi Local Government Area, verified the incident to journalists after visiting the conflict zone on Monday morning.
Benue’s Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, was observed patrolling the area accompanied by a team of officers in efforts to quell the unrest.
Amid the turmoil, residents have fled the vicinity out of fear of potential reprisal attacks, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
