Fear gripped residents of Northbank area in Makurdi on Tuesday morning following a violent clash between rival cult groups that led to the beheading of a young man.
The gruesome incident, which occurred in the early hours of the day, left the community in shock as the sound of gunfire, machete attacks, and cries for help shattered the early morning peace.
Eyewitnesses said the confrontation appeared to be part of an ongoing feud between two rival cult gangs operating within the area.
“We were woken up by loud gunshots and shouting. It was like a war zone,” said a resident who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal.
When the dust settled, the lifeless body of a yet-to-be-identified young man was found on the ground—his head severed in what many described as a clear message of cult retaliation.
Security operatives, including men from the Nigeria Police Force and other sister agencies, responded swiftly to the scene to prevent the violence from spreading further.
A security source confirmed that joint patrols have now been deployed around Northbank and nearby communities to stop possible retaliatory attacks from the opposing cult group.
“We have increased our presence in the area. Our men are on alert to prevent more violence,” the source said.
The incident has caused panic in Northbank, a densely populated suburb of Makurdi, which has a history of cult-related violence, especially among youths.
Although cult clashes in the state have previously claimed lives, the brutal beheading has reignited concern among residents and security agencies over rising cultism in urban areas.
As of the time of this report, no arrest has been confirmed, and the identity of the slain victim remains unknown.
Benue State Police Command is expected to issue an official statement as investigations into the attack continue.
