Two persons have been confirmed dead following a renewed outbreak of cult-related violence in Jato Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
The clash, which occurred on Wednesday, involved members of rival confraternities identified as Red and Black, leaving several others injured before security operatives restored calm.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident on Thursday through its spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, who said operatives from the Jato Aka Division responded swiftly to distress calls from the area.
Edet disclosed that the violent confrontation claimed the lives of two males, while other victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
She added that eight suspects were arrested in connection with the clash, while exhibits recovered from the scene included locally made firearms, machetes, axes, live ammunition and charms.
In a related development, the police foiled a kidnapping attempt in Zaki Biam, Ukum Local Government Area, where officers engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel, resulting in the death of one suspect identified as Terkaa Samuel.
The Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, assured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, urging members of the public to provide credible information to aid ongoing security operations.