Cult-related violence has gripped Edo State, resulting in the death of at least one person, according to the Police Command. However, sources close to the affected area in Upper Sokponba claim the toll is higher, with eight lives lost.
The clashes are believed to be between rival cult groups, Eiye and Vikings confraternity. The violence erupted despite efforts to resolve the crisis through a meeting at the Tipper garage in Idogbo area of Upper Sakponba Road.
According to eyewitnesses, the attempted peace talks failed, leading to an Eiye attack on Vikings members, inflicting knife injuries but no fatalities. In retaliation, Vikings members allegedly killed a top Eiye leader, which caused the escalation pf violence.
Benin United Forum, a local group, has appealed to the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, to invoke curses on those involved in cult-related killings, similar to his actions against human trafficking.
In a press statement, the group’s President, Iyamu Culture, and Secretary, Osayuki-Osa Benson, urged, “We humbly appeal to Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolo Kpolo, Oba Ewuare II, to direct our Ohens (Chief Priests) across the length and breadth of Benin Kingdom to immediately place curse(s) on those who are hiding under cultism to kill themselves.”
The Network of Civil Society Organisations has also weighed in, calling on the police to lift the ban on vigilante groups to combat cult menace.
In a statement, President Ogbidi Emmanuel attributed the cult violence to the state’s security, worsened by the “needless ban on the Edo State Joint Security Network.”
The police have confirmed one death and are investigating the cult-related killings. Police Public Relations Officer Moses Yamu stated, “I don’t know if there were cult killings, but I can confirm one corpse was picked on Monday around Pipeline.”
