• At least 8 lives lost in cult war
• Clash between SEC and SVC
• Cause of clash unknown
• Multiple injuries reported
• Community groups call for action
• Police urged to investigate and lift ban on vigilante groups
Cult War Claims Multiple Lives in Benin City
A renewed cult war in Benin City, Edo State, has resulted in the loss of at least eight lives, with some sources claiming the death toll is as high as 20. The clash is between the Supreme Eiye Confraternity (SEC) and Supreme Vikings Confraternity.
Causes of the Clash
The cause of the clash is unknown, but reports suggest that a meeting between leaders of the groups at Tipper Garage in Idogbo area ended in failure. Alleged Eiye members attacked Vikings members, inflicting injuries, and the Vikings retaliated, killing a top Eiye hierarchy member.
Escalation
The violence escalated, with multiple killings and injuries reported. The SEC retaliated against the Vikings, leading to further loss of life.
Community Reaction
Benin United Forum (BUF) has called on the Oba of Benin to invoke curses on those involved in cult-related killings, similar to his actions against human trafficking.
The Network of Civil Society Organisations (NOCSON) has urged the police to lift the ban on vigilante groups, citing the escalation of crime in the state.
Police Response
The police have been called upon to investigate the cult-related killings and bring perpetrators to book.
