From: Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
Eight persons have been killed and 18 others seriously injured with bullet wounds following cult war in Onyagede, Ohimini local government area of Benue State.
A former chairman of the area Musa Alechenu who disclosed this in a telephone chat with newsmen yesterday, said the cult war is between the Vikings and Black Axe, adding that it has lasted for more than five days.
Alechenu also, said the incident has metamorphosed into a full blown war between two (2) communities as people have fled the areas in large numbers.
He averred that all efforts to get security operatives to the area to maintain peace, proved abortive.
“I tried to reach the Commissioner of Police Madaki Audu without success. The Assistant Commissioner, Operations assured me that they are mobilizing men to the area but they did not come. Even the Divisional Police Officer for Ohimni who came with his men, immediately pulled out.
“As I speak to you, there are dead bodies here. I spoke with the Deputy Governor Benson Abounu who promised to reach out to Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS. On my own part, I was able to get the Commander, OPWS number and called him but he told me emphatically that only the State Government can ask them to come in. Am passionately appealing to security operatives to come to our aid”, Alechenu appealed.
Efforts to get the confirmation of the Police Public Relations’ Officer failed as she adamantly refused to pick her call as usual.
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