Man Murdered Near UNIBEN Gate, Renewed Cult War Looms In Edo

by Idahosa Musa

Fresh fears of renewed cult war have gripped residents of Benin, Edo State, following the killing of a yet-to-be-identified young man who was reportedly gunned down by suspected cultists on Sunday evening near the main gate of the University of Benin (UNIBEN).

The bloody incident, which occurred at about 5:00 p.m. along the ever-busy UNIBEN main gate axis, threw the area into confusion as traders, students, commuters and residents scampered for safety amid sporadic panic and tension.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that the assailants, suspected to be members of a rival cult group, reportedly intercepted the victim and opened fire on him at close range before fleeing the scene, leaving the young man in a pool of blood inside a GLK Mercedese Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).

The killing reportedly caused heavy traffic gridlock around the institution’s main entrance as curious residents and sympathizers gathered around the vehicle in shock while others lamented what they described as the resurgence of violent killings in the state capital.

A viral video circulating on social media on Sunday night showed the lifeless victim slumped inside the luxury vehicle parked close to the university gate, while mourners and onlookers besieged the scene amid emotional outbursts and wailing.

Residents in the area expressed fears over the growing insecurity in the state, noting that the latest incident has revived memories of previous bloody clashes between rival cult groups which claimed several lives in Benin in recent years.

Some residents and business owners around the university community called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and intelligence gathering in flashpoints across the metropolis to forestall possible reprisal attacks and restore public confidence.

As at the time of filing this report, the Edo State Police Command could not be reached for official confirmation or comments on the incident, while the identity of the deceased and circumstances surrounding the attack were yet to be officially established.