Determined to combat all forms of cult activities, violent crime and threats to public safety, the Benue State Police Command has arrested four notorious cultists and as well recovered arms and ammunition.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Makurdi.
She said: “on January 1, 2026, while on convoy patrol along Daudu–Uikpam Road, Kuje area, the Command’s operatives sighted four suspected cultists mounted on Bajaj motorcycles pursuing a male adult with guns and other dangerous weapons.”
“Upon noticing the presence of security personnel, the suspects abandoned the two motorcycles and fled into the bush. The abandoned motorcycles were recovered to Daudu Divisional Police Headquarters”
According to her, the police anti-cult operatives were on aggressive manhunt to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Police spokesperson noted also that on the early hours of January 3, 2026, the “Command received a distress call in Gboko reporting a violent clash between rival cult factions which resulted in the tragic deaths of two male adults. Prompt deployment of patrol and tactical teams led to the recovery of the corpses, which were deposited at the General Hospital mortuary in Gboko.”
The PPRO, further, said in connection with the violence in Gboko, one suspect, Iorwuese Aluor, alias “Gatuso” has been arrested.
She said ivestigations, by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) were ongoing, and efforts were being intensified to arrest other fleeing suspects.
The Command’s spokesperson also revealed that “on January 3, 2026, while acting on credible intelligence that members of the Vikings Confraternity were holding a meeting at Tyohena Settlement, Daudu, with the intention of launching violent attacks on citizens, operatives of the Daudu Divisional Police Headquarters stormed the location”.
She disclosed that during the operation, “three notorious suspects were also arrested, namely: Godwin Amough, alias “Devil Spoon”, aged 23 years, Tarakaa Mgbaweghga, alias “Biggi”, aged 27 years; and Terlumun Orpin, aged 19 years — all males of Tyohena Settlement, Daudu.
Meanwhile, a locally fabricated revolver pistol with one live round of ammunition was recovered from the suspects.
“The arrested suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (State CID), Makurdi, for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the cult group who were currently at large”
The PPRO quoted the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Emenari Ifeanyi, as strongly condemning these violent acts and assured the public that the Benue State Police Command would not tolerate cult activity or criminality in any form.
She further assured the Command would remain committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting lives and property through proactive, intelligence-led operations and enhanced visibility policing.
The CP, the PPRO disclosed urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding and supportive of security efforts by providing timely and credible information on suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police formation or emergency contact.
She informed that the Benue State Police Command has reiterated its unwavering dedication to ensuring peace, security, and order throughout Benue State.
