By Daniel Zendesha 

Calm has returned to Awe Street in Makurdi, Benue State, after days of tension linked to a suspected cult clash that left several people dead and others injured, according to residents. A joint deployment of security operatives has restored order, with normal activities gradually resuming in the area.

Residents of Awe Street in Makurdi are beginning to rebuild a sense of normalcy after a violent outbreak believed to be linked to rival cult groups disrupted the community over the weekend.

When Benue Info-pedia visited the area, a strong presence of security personnel—including police, military, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—was observed patrolling the streets. Their deployment, residents say, has been key to restoring calm.

A shop owner, who requested anonymity for security reasons, expressed relief:

“We are happy now. Peace has returned and businesses are opening again,” the resident said.

According to eyewitness accounts, the violence began in the early hours of Saturday, May 1, 2026, after what residents described as rising tension linked to an earlier killing.

“Everything was normal that night before we started hearing gunshots. We already feared something like this could happen,” one resident told Benue Info-pedia.

The situation reportedly escalated through Sunday into Monday.
Residents claim that at least four people were killed, including one individual who later died from injuries. Two others were said to have been injured. However, these figures remain unverified, as no official casualty report has been released.
Witnesses also stated that the attackers were masked, making identification difficult.

Locals describe the incident as part of a recurring pattern of cult-related clashes in the area.

“This has happened before,” a resident noted, adding that Awe Street has long struggled with gang-related activity. Many believe the latest violence was a retaliatory attack.

Residents say security forces intensified operations from the morning of May 4, maintaining patrols throughout the day and night.

Their presence appears to have stabilized the situation. As of the time of filing this report, businesses have reopened, and movement within the community has resumed.

However, there have been no confirmed arrests or official statements from authorities.
Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer were unsuccessful, as calls were not answered at the time of publication.

The violence left many residents shaken, forcing some families to flee temporarily.

“How can a father and mother run away from their own community because of violence?” one resident asked, reflecting the emotional toll of the incident.

Despite this, residents say they are relieved that peace has returned and are gradually resuming daily activities.

Community members pointed to deeper social challenges driving the violence, including youth unemployment, drug abuse, and weak parental oversight.

According to residents, idle youth are more vulnerable to recruitment into cult groups, while a lack of accountability at home contributes to the problem.

Residents are now calling for sustained government intervention to prevent future violence.

Key demands include:

Establishment of a permanent police post in the area

Continuous security patrols

Creation of a community-based vigilante system involving local youths

Employment opportunities to reduce youth involvement in crime

Some residents also noted that local youths had already begun peacebuilding efforts to stabilize the community.

While calm has returned to Awe Street, residents remain cautious, hoping that the renewed security presence will be sustained and that long-term solutions will address the root causes of the violence.

Benue Info-pedia will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as official information becomes available.