By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command has arrested four suspected cult kingpins and recovered arms following coordinated security operations along the Daudu–Uikpam Road in Guma Local Government Area and parts of Gboko, the police said on Sunday. The arrests, according to the command, followed intelligence-led patrols and rapid response to reports of cult-related violence, as part of ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities across the state.In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, operatives on convoy patrol along the Daudu–Uikpam Road sighted four suspected cultists riding Bajaj motorcycles while allegedly pursuing a male adult armed with guns and other dangerous weapons.
The statement said that upon noticing the police presence, the suspects abandoned two motorcycles and fled into nearby bushes. The motorcycles were recovered and taken to the Daudu Divisional Police Headquarters, while the victim was rescued and his statement recorded. Following the incident, anti-cultism operatives launched a manhunt to track down the fleeing suspects. The operation later expanded after the command received a distress call in the early hours of January 3, 2026, reporting a violent clash between rival cult groups in Gboko.
According to the police, the clash resulted in the deaths of two adult males. Patrol and tactical teams were immediately deployed to the scene, where the corpses were recovered and deposited at the General Hospital Mortuary in Gboko. In connection with the Gboko violence, one suspect, identified as Iorwuese Aluor, 34, of Gboko East, was arrested. Police said investigations are ongoing, with efforts intensified to apprehend other suspects who escaped.
The statement further disclosed that acting on credible intelligence, operatives stormed a location where members of the Vikings Confraternity were allegedly holding a meeting to plan attacks on residents. During the raid, three suspects were arrested.They were identified as Godwin Amough, 23; Tarakaa Mgbaweghga, 27; and Terlumun Orpin, 19, all from Tyohena settlement in Daudu. Police confirmed that the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Makurdi for further investigation and possible prosecution.
CP Ifeanyi Emenari strongly condemned the violent attacks and cult-related activities, assuring residents that the command will not tolerate criminality in any form.“The Benue State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property. Cultism and violent crimes will be met with decisive action,” the commissioner said.He also urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to enhance security operations across the state.
