The Benue State House of Assembly has raised an urgent alarm over the growing wave of cult-related killings in the North Bank area of Makurdi, the state capital.Â
Hon. Alfred Emberga Aondoaver, who represents Makurdi North Constituency and serves as the Deputy Majority Whip, led the call for swift intervention during a plenary session held on Tuesday.
He urged the Benue State Government to mobilize relevant security agencies to investigate and put a stop to the escalating violence that has claimed numerous lives.
The appeal, which was brought forward under a motion titled “H.M. 67: Motion Calling on the Benue State Government to Mobilize Relevant Agencies to Investigate and Stop the Incessant Killings by Cultists in North Bank, Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State,” was presented before the Assembly, with Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh presiding as Speaker.
Hon. Alfred expressed grave concerns over the rise in cultism across Nigeria, with a particular focus on Benue State.
He noted that the proliferation of cult activities, especially in urban areas, has given rise to increased violence, with various confraternities operating unchecked.
Despite the enactment of the Abduction, Hostage-Taking, Kidnapping, Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law by the Benue State House of Assembly on April 27, 2017, and its subsequent enforcement from May 22, 2017, these criminal activities continue to thrive in the state.
The Deputy Majority Whip revealed that over the past seven years, cult-related violence has remained a significant challenge, particularly in the North Bank region of Makurdi.
He raised concerns over the recruitment of young individuals, ranging in age from 12 to 29 years, into various cult groups that perpetuate violence and destabilize the community.
In a harrowing account, Hon. Alfred disclosed that between January and August 2024 alone, approximately 50 lives have been lost to cult-related violence in North Bank.
He recounted recent tragic incidents, including a man who was shot dead by cultists while at a barber’s shop just three weeks prior.
He also highlighted the most recent incident, which occurred on August 19, 2024, when ten people were brutally murdered under similar circumstances.
Hon. Alfred warned that if the situation continues to go unchecked, it would result in a further breakdown of peace and security in North Bank, creating a climate of fear and instability among residents.
In response to the growing crisis, the 10th Benue State House of Assembly adopted several resolutions.
The Assembly unequivocally condemned the killings perpetrated by secret cults, not only in North Bank but across other parts of the state.
Additionally, they called on the Benue State Government to immediately mobilize security agencies to investigate the ongoing violence and to strengthen security efforts in high-risk areas.
Specifically, the Assembly urged the Benue State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) to deploy more personnel and enhance surveillance in vulnerable areas such as Yogbo Road, the vicinity behind ECWA Secondary School, Lafia Junction, and Veterinary Layout within the North Bank.
In support of the motion, Hon. Terwase Uche, who also represents Makurdi North, echoed the concerns raised and criticized the security agencies for failing to protect lives and property effectively.
He expressed frustration over the continued violence, despite the presence of significant military installations in the area, such as the 72 Army Barracks and the Nigerian School of Military Engineering (NASME), both located in North Bank.
The Assembly’s call for urgent intervention reflects the deepening concern over the deteriorating security situation in the North Bank, as the state government and security agencies face mounting pressure to curb the violence and restore peace to the community.
