The Edo State Police Command confirmed the death of one individual amid escalating violence in a renewed clash between rival cult groups, the Eiye and Vikings confraternities, in Upper Sokponba. However, local sources claim the death toll stands at eight, following attempts at mediation between group leaders at a meeting in the Tipper garage in the Idogbo area.
According to an anonymous source, the tension surged after the initial peace talks failed, leading to an attack by Eiye members on Vikings members, who later retaliated by allegedly killing a top Eiye member, igniting a deadly series of confrontations.
The rising violence has spurred local organizations, including the Benin United Forum, to call on the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, to place traditional curses on those perpetuating violence through cult activities. In a statement, the group’s President, Iyamu Culture, and Secretary, Osayuki-Osa Benson, requested intervention to curb the “barbaric acts,” particularly in Upper Sokponba and other areas frequently afflicted by cult-related violence.
Meanwhile, the Network of Civil Society Organisations has urged the police to lift the ban on vigilante groups in Edo State, citing an increase in crime rates since the disbanding of the Edo State Joint Security Network. The group’s President, Ogbidi Emmanuel, argued that restoring local security forces would help curb the cult violence, which they attribute to the current “porous nature of security” in the state.
Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, reported that only one casualty had been officially recorded, with the body found on Monday near Pipeline, adding that further information was limited as of Tuesday.
Both community leaders and civil society organizations are calling for immediate action, from traditional authorities to law enforcement, to address the growing crisis and bring perpetrators to justice.
