Suspected cultists reportedly killed seven people during cult clashes in the ancient town of Gboko in Benue State.
It was gathered that the cultists also razed nine houses, causing apprehension in the town.
According to PUNCH, a resident of the town who simply identified himself as Terna said that the cult rivals engaged one another in a superiority battle on Sunday night.
The crisis, which started as a fight between two rival cult members, degenerated into a killing spree and burning down of houses.
“What we heard was that two rival cult members were boasting of superiority, referring to last year’s September incident.
“From there, a fight ensued leading to the death of one and before you know it, the news spread and each of the rival groups regrouped and were moving from one street to another, killing. Many people were killed and houses burnt down,” he said.
The Chairman of Gboko Local Government Area, Isaac Mton, who confirmed the crisis via telephone, said seven people were killed, PUNCH reports.
Mton said, “The rival cult clashes disrupted the peace of the town. Seven lives were lost and nine houses suspected to belong to their members were burnt down.
“As I am talking to you now, the authority in collaboration with security men are going to their houses to apprehend them. So far, 30 of them have been picked up.”
The State Police spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene, however, said she was yet to get the report.