Cult-Related Violence in Edo Claims 8 Lives

Nigeria Crime, Edo Cult Violence, Fatal Clash

“A Vikings member was brutally stabbed, and initially believed to be deceased, but...”

Edo Security Network Ban Sparks Surge in Crime, Cult Killings and Insecurity

A recent resurgence of cult violence in Benin City, Edo State, specifically around Upper Sokponba Road, has reportedly resulted in at least eight fatalities. However, a reliable source suggests the death toll may be significantly higher, exceeding twenty lives lost since the conflict began.

The latest clashes involve rival cult groups, Supreme Eiye Confraternity (SEC) and Supreme Vikings Confraternity. The motivations behind the violence remain unclear, but tensions escalated following a failed peace meeting.

Leaders from both groups gathered at Tipper Garage in the Idogbo area of Upper Sokponba Road to resolve the crisis. Unfortunately, the talks broke down, and alleged SEC members attacked Supreme Vikings Confraternity members, inflicting knife injuries but causing no fatalities.

The renewed cult war has raised concerns about public safety and the need for effective law enforcement intervention to quell the violence.

“The Vikings retaliated by attacking and killing a high-ranking member of the Eiye group, which escalated the situation. Following this, they killed another Eiye member known as Oil Man.

“Additionally, they proceeded to kill another individual two houses away. These incidents prompted the Eiye group to initiate their own retaliation.

“A Vikings member was brutally stabbed, and initially believed to be deceased, but he is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

“The challenge is that one of the groups does not accept apologies, while the other group does not apologize,” the source said.

A press statement from Lyamu Osaro Culture and Osayuki-Osa Benson, representatives of the Benin Kingdom, urgently appealed to Oba Ewuare II to direct chief priests to place curses on cult members responsible for senseless killings in Benin City, particularly in Upper Sakponba, Egor/Uwelu, Ugbowo/Uselu, and parts of GRA.

Meanwhile, The Network of Civil Society Organization (NOCSON) is pushing for the police to lift the ban on vigilante groups in the state, citing escalating crime and cult killings.

Comrade Ogbidi Emmanuel, president of the organization, attributed the recent cult clash to the porous security situation in the state, which he believes was exacerbated by the unnecessary ban on the Edo State Joint Security Network. This network was previously trained by the police to maintain law and order. According to Emmanuel, “The ban, which was pronounced by the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, has brought about a great increase in crime to an alarming rate, especially within the locals.”

Emmanuel's statement emphasized the need for the police to investigate the cult-related killings and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The ban on the Edo State Security Network was initially announced by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ahead of the September 21, 2024, election, citing concerns that the network could be used as “useful tools” by the governor against the opposition.

This development has sparked concerns about the ability of the state to maintain security, particularly in areas like Upper Sakponba, Egor/Uwelu, Ugbowo/Uselu, and parts of GRA, which have been identified as hotspots for cult activities. The call for investigation and accountability highlights the urgent need for effective law enforcement measures to address the rising crime rate and ensure public safety.