Rose Ejembi, Makurdi
Cult clashes between rival groups have claimed the lives of two students of the Benue State University (BSU) in the last few days in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
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According to sources, the first incident took place around High Level area of the metropolis, in which a 300-level student of the university was said to have been shot dead around 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
Our source said a group of armed young people had waylaid the victim, shot him at close range and ensured he was dead before they left him in a pool of his blood.
“It was around 8:00 p.m. when a group of people attacked the young man and shot at him; the attackers ensured the man died before they left the place.
“Just yesterday, at about 4:30 p.m. in broad daylight, the second victim was accosted on Dunamis Street, directly opposite the second gate of the university, where a 400-level student of Theatre Arts of the same university was gunned down and, then, hit with heavy stones on the head until he gave up the ghost.”
Our informers said the attackers, numbering about 17, had followed the young man to the area as he was going to a hair salon when they accosted him and killed him there.
“The young man was a 400-level student of Theatre Art of the Benue State University and a resident of Gyado Villa. He was going to have an haircut when he was attacked.
“The attackers were armed with guns, axes, cutlasses and stones, they rushed at him and shot him dead. Within a twinkle of an eye, the whole area was deserted as residents and traders scampered for safety,” an eyewitness said. Confirming the two incidents, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Moses Yamu, said two students were killed during rival cult clashes, adding that one suspect had been arrested in connection with the killings.