By Eben Enasco
The wave of violence linked to cultism has hit Ibiwe, Water resources along Adesuwa Road, Sapele Road and Ugbowo areas in Edo State, resulting in the deaths of eight people.
It was learned that the clashes between rival cult groups, Aye and Maphit Confraternity left three suspected innocent citizens and five suspected cult members dead.
The area has witnessed intense violence in recent weeks, with cult members engaging in deadly supremacy clashes.
The three innocent citizens caught in the crossfire lost their lives by wrong identification as members of the Maphit confraternity, adding to the community’s trauma.
One of the victims, Joel isibor, a suspected member of the maphit confraternity was reportedly killed by rampaging black Axe men at water resources Adesuwa road.
He is said to be a proprietor of a boutique and is married with children.
According to sources, two maphit members who are said to be Students of the University of Benin were earlier shot at ugbowo and rushed to an undisclosed hospital where they are said to be receiving treatments.
The renewed cult war, according to a reliable source started after the burial ceremony of one of a black Axe member killed last year over an Aza (yahoo boys) matter by suspected maphit members.
The deceased was reportedly killed during a crossfire and was buried last week.
With that locked in their minds, they were said to have triggered a reprisal that led to bloodletting in the state, leaving eight women widowed and devastated.
While the people are gripped by fear and anxiety, with many calling for increased security measures, the Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has taken bold steps to address the situation, deploying security personnel to restore order.
Recall that following earlier disturbances last year, Senator Monday Okpebholo, among several proactive steps taken, convened personally and through his agents, series of critical meetings with the known leaders of groups suspected of being involved in these criminal activities.
In a statement released and signed by Bugie Okhuemoi, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Governor, he affirmed an earlier agreement where the heads of various cult groups were to rein in their members and take full responsibility for their conduct.
The statement further revealed that the Governor made it abundantly clear that the State would no longer tolerate the senseless killings of youths and entertain the destabilization of communities.
In furtherance to these statements recalled by his media aide, The Governor, also signed the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025 into effect.
The new law repeals the Edo State Secret Cult (Prohibition) Law, 2018, introducing stiffer penalties for individuals involved in cult-related activities, their sponsors, and those who harbor cultists.
But this seems not to have deterred the practice in Edo State after the recent bloodletting in the state.
However, an investigation is ongoing to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
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