A clash between two rival cult groups has led to the killing of three suspected cultists in Gboko town, Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.
Several people were also reported to have sustained injuries during the clash which started on Saturday, September 3, 2022 and lasted till Sunday, September 4.
It took the intervention of security agencies to put the situation in control, Thenewsbearer learnt.
According to a credible source, the clash was caused by misunderstanding between the rival groups which led to the killing of one of the members of a group.
The source said: “Actually, no one can tell the cause of the fight between the rival cult groups. But we learnt that there was a misunderstanding between the rival groups which led to the killing of a member of another group.”
In a statement by Bright Antyo, who is the Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, to the chairman of Gboko LGA, Mr. Issac Mtom, there was an appeal for calm and vigilance in the town, with the chairman assuring that security agencies were on top of the situation.
The statement also confirmed the death of three persons in the clash.
The statement read: “The Chairman of Gboko Local Government Council has called on all residents of Gboko to remain calm and vigilant amidst suspected clash between two rival cult groups.
“He made the call while receiving reports of the attacks carried out by groups which have allegedly claimed the lives of three youths.
“He reiterated his zero tolerance for any form of violence or activities capable of causing chaos and destabilizing the peace and security of Gboko LGA.
“He called on youths to shun cultism as anyone caught will be made to face the law.
“The Chairman assured that security personnel have been briefed to flush out the perpetrators and other dreaded cultists. He urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agency and offer relevant information that will lead to the apprehension of the murderers.”
Confirming the clash, the police spokeswoman in the state police command, SP Catherine Anene said that 30 suspects had been arrested and had been transferred to the command headquarters in Makurdi.
“I cannot confirm if there is casualty or not, but the information I gathered now is that 30 suspects were arrested in connection with the crisis in Gboko and the suspects are on their way to Makurdi,” Anene said.
