Cult War Resumes in Benin as Suspected Cultists Kill 2 in Fresh Attack
Edotoday reports that Suspected cult-related violence has once again erupted in Benin City, the Edo State capital, claiming the lives of at least two young men in what appears to be a renewed wave of cult clashes.
One of the victims, identified as Emmanuel Adekhe and popularly known as “Biggy,” was gunned down by yet-to-be-identified assailants on Siluko Road by Oliha Market in Benin. Adekhe was known to operate in the area, reportedly collecting daily revenue on behalf of one of the transport unions. According to local sources, this was not the first time he had been targeted. About two months ago, a failed assassination attempt was made on his life, which he narrowly escaped.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the attackers struck again, this time with deadly precision. Upon sighting the gunmen, the victim attempted to flee but was pursued from Siluko Road into Akugbe Lane, off Second West Circular Road. He was eventually cornered inside a residential compound where he had sought refuge. The assailants caught up with him and shot him multiple times, killing him on the spot.
The incident caused widespread panic in the vicinity. Witnesses reported hearing several gunshots as people around the busy market area scampered for safety. Shortly after the shooting, the suspects fled the scene before the arrival of security personnel. The lifeless body of the victim drew a large crowd, with residents, family members, and sympathizers gathered in shock and mourning.
Officers from the Textile Mill Road Division of the Edo State Police Command later arrived at the scene to begin preliminary investigations. As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been issued by the police regarding the attack.
In what is believed to be a retaliatory strike, another violent incident occurred late Thursday night at a popular brothel along Wire Road in Benin. Three individuals were shot by a rival cult group. While one of the victims, believed to be a member of a cult group, was confirmed dead at an undisclosed hospital, the other two were reportedly innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. They were rushed to the hospital by good samaritans.
The resurgence of cult killings in Benin has sparked fresh concerns among residents and community leaders, particularly given the recent efforts by the Edo State Government to curb cultism. Just weeks ago, the government declared an all-out war on cult-related activities, leading to the arrest and arraignment of over 200 suspected cultists.
With the state’s anti-cultism law now in effect, many residents are calling on law enforcement agencies to intensify surveillance, ensure thorough investigations, and bring all perpetrators of these recent killings to justice. The situation remains tense as fears of further retaliatory attacks linger in several parts of the city.
