Over 26 suspects killed
Investigation revealed that the fiery cult groups declared war on each other in a bid to demonstrate supremacy. National Daily gathered more than 26 suspected cultists were killed in the latest onslaught some days ago.
Politicians, land speculators recruit cultists
The two dreaded rival groups allegedly recruited by politicians and land speculators reportedly took over major streets intimidating, causing panic and openly demonstrating violence to scare the people.
At the moment, most residents of Benin are seriously concerned about their security and safety following the unending fracas of these miscreants. National Daily gathered that unemployed youths are active participants in the nefarious activities of the cults whose sponsors, our investigation showed are mostly influential politicians. Most times, these cult groups operate as youth organizations to cover their true identities and evade curiosity of members of the public. For the residents of the streets which witnessed the violence, Eiye confraternity and Aiye are merchants of death because they often battle for supremacy with sophisticated assault weapons.
Cultists' operational base
National Daily learnt homes of some prominent indigenes, including traditional chiefs and politicians are converted to operational bases for the warring groups.
Cult initiation
Against their will, young boys are forcefully initiated into various cults. The initiation rites, involves rigorous torture, wild orgies, consumption of a cocktail mixed with strong alcohol and human blood, we gathered.
Thereafter, new recruits are introduced to hard drugs and other intoxicants. Most of the youths are uneducated and restive. They
lacked skill to make them self-employed. These groups, a source told National Daily is allegedly funded by powerful politicians and some government officials. For this reason, cult-related killings have gradually spread to the nooks and crannies of the city and even the university environment is becoming
unsafe for habitation. For fear of reprisal attack, most members of the rival groups have fled their homes.
Cultists shot dead
National Daily gathered more than six suspected cultists belonging to a particular cult group were on January 6, shot dead at Ogida quarters in Benin City. Same night, at Uzebu quarters, three suspected cultists were gunned down by a rival group.
Following the murder, other confraternities launched a reprisal attack, in form of a counter-attack meant to avenge the death of their members at Uwelu quarters, which left five persons dead, among them are: two dead Undergraduates of higher institutions in the state.
At Evbotubu quarters, it was reported that four persons, including twin- brothers were killed by a rival cult group. On Uwelu market day, tension was high in the community when there was a bloody clash between these rival groups. In the milieu, two traders were shot dead by four unidentified youths at exactly 3pm. Similarly at Eweka Street in Egor quarters, three persons suspected to be members of a particular cult were killed in a single night. At Adolor Street, off Siluko road, a brother of a suspected cult member was shot dead in error. But, National Daily learnt that the killers came to the family house in search for the deceased's elder brother, also a suspected cult member.
Reaction of Edo Police Command
ASP Peter Ogboi, Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, commended persons who gave them useful information early enough that led to the arrest of the 40 suspected cultists. Ogboi called on members of the public to emulate the patriotic gesture of the informants to enable the police take on criminals' confrontationally. The command had ordered its operatives to ensure that all suspected cultists in the state are arrested and prosecuted, he stressed.
Fear over April election
National Daily gathered that the cult clash may be a prelude to the violence the electorate would be exposed to during April 2011 general elections, if nothing is done to check-mate them, because politicians are backing the rival groups.
Due to severe injury sustained by people as a result of the clash between the two rival cult groups, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. David Omojola pointed out that the task of curbing the growing trend of violence should not be left to the police alone, adding that a joint effort by everyone in the state would be required to stem the tide of cultism.
The police chief expressed confidence that a concerted effort would effectively reduce the menace of cultism. He appealed to parents to monitor and pay close attention to the activities of their children in order to determine their conduct and the kind of friends in their circle.
Omojola said: “So far, we have arrested 40 suspected cultists who are members of the warring groups. Some of the suspects were picked up when they converged for a retaliatory attack. Firearms and other dangerous weapons were some of the exhibits recovered from some of the suspects. We discovered Kehinde Olotu, as a leader of one of the warring groups.”
Politicians wade in
As a result of the onslaught of the cult groups on the community, National Daily gathered some prominent politicians, traditional chiefs, who are patrons of the rival groups met recently in a popular hotel (name with held) in Benin City on the need to cease-fire, but the peace talk ended in a deadlock.
As at press time, National Daily learnt members of Black Axe have vowed to wipe out all the members of Eiye Confraternity in Benin.
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
One Dies, Three Hospitalised As Building Partially Collapse In Lagos
Bullying: Lead British International School in Abuja Shut Down
Rapper Megan Thee Stallion Sued By Cameraman Claiming He Was Forced To Watch Her Have S3x
Watch Drama As Passenger Refused Drunk Driver To Convey Them To Their Destination
Manchester United v Sheffield: English Premier League Match,Team News,Goal Scorers and Stats
Nollywood Actress, Faithia Williams Mourns Death Of Her Father