Bloody clashes by rival cult groups in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, have left no fewer than six persons dead.
This was just as the newly-posted Commissioner of police, Mr Haruna John, had in a media briefing condemned the spate of cult activities in the state and warned the perpetrators to desist from the deadly act.
According to eye witnesses trouble started at the Wadata area of Makurdi town when members of the various cult groups engaged themselves in a heated argument over a young lady.
It was gathered that the quarrel led to the use of fire arms and other dangerous weapons against each other and that two members were instantly shot and killed in the ensuing clash.
The rivalry left residents of the area in panic as it was reported that most of them quickly fled for safety for fear of being trapped in the ensuing cross fire.
Similarly, at Wurukum,a commercial are, a young man was reportedly killed by members of a cult group over a misunderstanding with the deceased.
In Akpehe area of Logo 2 along Abu King Road, cult members on Thursday attacked and killed a young graduate of the Benue State university over some inexplicable issues.
The situation was not different at the state University in Makurdi where a teenager was butchered by unknown cult members in front of the institution last Friday.
Following this development, there has been increased security patrol around Makurdi and to ensure adequate security of lives and property.
The public Relations Officer,ASP Alaribe Ejike disclosed that about 57 persons have been arrested in connection with the killings and said that investigation on the matter was ongoing.
He stated further that the police were committed to eradicating the menace of cultism in the state.