The Benue State Police Command has raised serious concerns about the increasing cases of cultism and the alarming trend of elderly citizens being killed over accusations of witchcraft.
Commissioner of Police Hassan Yabaner, in a statement issued Monday in Makurdi, highlighted these disturbing developments while reviewing the command’s achievements in 2024.
He revealed that cultism and witchcraft-related killings topped the list of criminal activities in the state over the past year.
Providing statistics, Yabaner stated that between April 2024 and December, 273 suspects were arrested for serious crimes, with 250 already charged to court. Additionally, the police recovered 20 firearms and 51 rounds of ammunition.
“Cultism remains one of the major challenges bedeviling the state,” the CP stated, adding that seven suspected cultists were recently arrested in North Bank, Daudu, and Otukpo areas.
Among those arrested were Donald Aguma, Tyoshar Aondoaseer, and Benjamin Andrew Augustine, with one locally fabricated pistol recovered.
Yabaner also condemned the trend of mob actions targeting elderly individuals over witchcraft allegations.
He cited the Christmas Eve killing of an aged woman in Egba village, Agatu Local Government Area, where two suspects, Bako Above (50) and Oyaje Clement (40), were apprehended in connection with the incident.
“This worrisome situation, where people take the law into their own hands, must stop. Young people killing the elderly over baseless witchcraft allegations is unacceptable,” he said.
The Commissioner commended the support of Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for their contributions to improving security in the state.
He assured the public of the command’s commitment to tackling these challenges and restoring peace to the region.