Makurdi residents worry as cult activities escalate

Residents of Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, have expressed worry over cult-related killings.

Some of the residents who spoke to our correspondent said the activities of cultists in the suburbs of Makurdi had become a source of concern.

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A witness to the murder of two persons at the North Bank area of Makurdi, a few days ago, said those living in the vicinity or trading there were in panic.

He said, “The activities of cultists have even prevented people from carrying out their businesses at the SRS junction market effectively.

“Because of threats by the cultists at the junction, people are afraid to go to the market, and those who go are very alert so that they don’t fall victims.”

Another witness who said he was yet to recover from the trauma of seeing life snuffed out of some persons recently, lamented that areas such as Eri Street, SRS, Yogbo, Asase and Mission Ward were notorious for cult activities.

Similarly, a lady who lives around the Modern Market in Makurdi, said residents would rush back to their homes on daily basis before dusk for fear of being caught in the web of rival cult clashes.

She said, “The situation is bad. I can’t stay outside my home beyond 6pm. The ‘boys’ are just everywhere robbing, maiming and killing people.”

When contacted, the police spokesman in the state, DSP Catherine Anene, urged residents not to be afraid but to provide the police with relevant information about suspicious characters.

DSP Anene added that the police raided flash areas in North Bank two days ago, stressing that the operation was ongoing to ensure a peaceful environment for residents.