Residents of Awe Street in Makurdi are slowly returning to daily life after a violent cult clash over the weekend left at least four people dead and two others injured. The violence, believed to be linked to rivalry between cult groups, erupted in the early hours of Saturday following rising tension from an earlier killing.
Eyewitnesses said the night had been peaceful before gunshots suddenly rang out, catching many residents off guard. “Everything was normal that night before we started hearing gunshots. We already feared something like this could happen,” one resident recalled. Among the casualties was one person who later died from injuries sustained during the attack.
A heavy presence of security operatives from the police, military, Department of State Services, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has been visible across the area since Sunday morning, with patrols continuing day and night. Their deployment has played a key role in restoring order and easing fears among residents.
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A shop owner who spoke on condition of anonymity said the situation had improved significantly. “We are happy now. Peace has returned, and businesses are opening again.” As of the time of filing this report, shops and markets have reopened, and movement within the community has resumed.
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached for confirmation as calls to her mobile phone went unanswered.
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