Suspected cultists have shot dead a man, identified as Tyohee Aseer, in the Wurukum area of Makurdi, Benue State capital.

It was learnt that the incident occurred on Sunday night, which was barely a week after scores were killed in rival cult clashes across the state.

In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Teran Nathaniel, the Executive Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Council, Joseph Keffi, condemned the killing.

He also declared Wurukum, in Walomayo Council Ward, a place of particular concern following a spate of youth killings in the area.

According to the statement, the attack occurred at about 9pm on Sunday when the assailants, who reportedly arrived in a Toyota vehicle, stormed Aseer’s residence on Ihumun Street, Wurukum, and shot him several times.

It was gathered that the victim was rushed to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The statement read, “The Executive Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Council, Hon. Joseph Keffi, has designated Wurukum, in Walomayo Council Ward, as a place of particular concern following the persistent and alarming cases of youth killings allegedly perpetrated by unidentified cult groups.

“Hon Keffi made this declaration on Monday, January 12, 2026, in reaction to the gruesome murder of Tyohee Aseer, who was reportedly killed by unknown gunmen suspected to be cultists.

“According to reports, the incident occurred on the night of Sunday, January 11, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m. It was gathered that armed men, believed to be cultists, arrived in a Toyota vehicle at the residence of the deceased on Ihumun Street, Wurukum, where he was attacked and shot several times.

Keffi described the killing as barbaric, senseless and unacceptable and lamented the continued rise in cult-related violence within the Makurdi Local Government Area.

He expressed sadness over the repeated loss of young lives and extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and residents of the community.

The council chairman reassured residents of his commitment to restoring peace and strengthening security across the local government.

As part of measures to curb the violence, Keffi directed the Deputy Chairman to convene an emergency security meeting with youth stakeholders to address the root causes of cultism and promote peace and unity.

He also urged youths in the area to shun cultism and other criminal activities capable of threatening security and communal harmony.

The development comes amid a series of cult-related attacks recorded in some parts of the state. (The PUNCH, but headline rejigged)

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