Two persons were confirmed dead while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries following a clash between rival cult groups in parts of Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

The incident, which occurred late Wednesday night, reportedly involved members of two rival cult groups who engaged in a violent confrontation that led to panic among residents of the affected areas.

An eyewitness, who spoke to the sources on condition of anonymity, said the clash started after a disagreement between members of the groups at a popular relaxation spot and later escalated into a full-blown street fight.

“The situation got out of hand very quickly. They started attacking one another with dangerous weapons, including cutlasses and bottles, while residents ran for safety,” the eyewitness said.

Another resident said the violence spread to nearby streets, forcing shop owners and motorists to abandon their businesses and vehicles to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

Confirming the incident, the Benue State Police Command said it had restored normalcy in the area and commenced investigation to identify and arrest those responsible.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Catherine Anene, told sources that police operatives were swiftly deployed to the scene following a distress call.

“Two persons lost their lives during the clash, while several others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at different hospitals,” Anene said.

She added that no arrest had been made as at the time of filing this report, but assured that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.

The police spokesperson warned criminal elements to desist from activities capable of disrupting public peace, stressing that the command would not tolerate cult-related violence in the state.

Anene also urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid the investigation.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Government has condemned the incident, describing it as senseless and avoidable.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Tersoo Kula, expressed the government’s sympathy to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The government reiterated its commitment to strengthening security and combating cultism and other forms of criminality across the state.

Cult-related violence has remained a recurring challenge in some parts of Makurdi and other urban centres in Benue, often resulting in loss of lives and destruction of property.