At least five people have been reportedly killed between Monday and Tuesday in Benin City, Edo State, following a resurgence of violence between suspected members of the Maphite and Black Axe cult groups.
The victims, identified as Lucky Okotie, Yoyin, George, Lucky, and Abel, were killed at different locations across the metropolis as the rival cult groups engaged in what appears to be a deadly turf war.
According to local sources, George, a mechanic, was gunned down in front of his workshop along Oza Street, off Sakponba Road, on Monday evening. That same evening, Yoyin was reportedly shot and killed around Oroghene Street, off Siluko Road, by suspected members of a rival cult group.
Another fatal attack reportedly occurred at approximately 7:30 pm along Wire Road, while a separate murder took place in broad daylight on Tuesday around Ewah Road.
A resident identified as Ibrahim told BenriNews that one of the victims, Lucky, was attacked and killed inside his home in front of his family when gunmen stormed his residence along 3rd East Circular Road at around 6 pm on Monday.
In another tragic incident, Lucky Okotie had reportedly stepped out to purchase roasted corn when he was shot near the 2nd West area. Eyewitnesses said he died from lack of oxygen after the vehicle conveying him to hospital was trapped in traffic.
The fifth victim, whose identity had yet to be confirmed as of press time, was reportedly killed in broad daylight on Monday around Textile Mill Road.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Edo State Police Command proved unsuccessful, as the command's spokesperson, Moses Yamu, did not respond to calls or messages.
However, a senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that law enforcement agencies were actively pursuing those involved in the violent clashes and working to restore calm to the affected areas.
The recent killings have heightened tension among residents, who now live in fear as the cult rivalry intensifies across the city.
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