Benin City, Edo State, has witnessed a fresh wave of violence between suspected members of rival cult groups, Maphite and Black Axe, leaving at least five people dead between Monday and Tuesday.
The killings took place at different locations across the city, causing fear and tension among residents.
Among the victims are Lucky Okotie, Yoyin, George, Lucky, and Abel. George, a mechanic, was reportedly shot in front of his workshop along Oza Street on Monday evening. Yoyin was also killed that same evening near Oroghene Street by suspected rival cult members.
Other attacks occurred around Wire Road at about 7:30 pm and at Ewah Road during broad daylight on Tuesday.
According to Ibrahim, a local resident, Lucky was attacked inside his home along 3rd East Circular Road and killed in front of his family by gunmen who stormed the house.
Another victim, Lucky Okotie, was shot near 2nd West while buying roasted corn. He later died from lack of oxygen after his ambulance was stuck in traffic on the way to the hospital.
The identity of the fifth victim, killed in broad daylight near Textile Mill Road, is yet to be confirmed.
Efforts to get an official statement from the Edo State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the command’s spokesperson, Moses Yamu, did not respond to calls or messages.
However, a senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that security agencies are working hard to apprehend those responsible and restore peace to the troubled city.
The recent spike in cult violence threatens the peace of Benin City, as residents call for urgent action to end the ongoing bloodshed.