At least eight people were killed in the early hours of Monday during a suspected cult attack in the High Level area of Makurdi, the capital of Benue State. The incident occurred between 2am and 2:30am on Aliade Street, according to Joseph Keffi, Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Area. Armed youths on motorcycles stormed a compound where four people were sleeping, called them out, and shot them dead. Four others who came out after hearing gunfire were also killed.
Keffi described the attack as "ugly" and "pathetic," linking it to a suspected cult member from the North Bank area of Makurdi who had fled to High Level following a clash with rival members. He said the victims were not cult members but were targeted because they were sheltering the suspect. The local government chairman identified the alleged perpetrator as Odinaka, claiming he had been previously arrested and released by police. Keffi urged security agencies to arrest Odinaka, whom he accused of terrorising parts of Makurdi.
Security operatives responded to distress calls and cordoned off the area, but the attackers escaped. The corpses of the victims were taken to the mortuaries of Benue State University Teaching Hospital and Madonna Hospital. While Keffi confirmed eight deaths, State Commissioner of Police CP Ifeanyi Enemari stated that six people were killed. Keffi said the local government continues to work with security agencies and vigilante groups to combat cult-related violence. He confirmed that the incident had been reported to security operatives.
Joseph Keffi claims a suspect previously arrested and released is now linked to a deadly cult attack, raising questions about police handling of known threats. The victims were not cult members but were killed for sheltering a suspect, exposing the danger ordinary residents face when security lapses. If Odinaka was already known to authorities, then the failure to detain him may have cost lives. Keffi's call for police action suggests a gap between arrest and sustained enforcement.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
