Tragedy struck in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State over the weekend when a young man, identified only as Prosper, reportedly died during an initiation ceremony into a cult group.
According to information gathered by BenriNews, the victim died following repeated drilling exercises that were part of the initiation process into the Aye confraternity group.
Sources close to the incident revealed that Prosper had approached a family member named Cosmos, allegedly a senior member of the cult group, to express his interest in joining the Aye confraternity. Cosmos reportedly connected him with other members who took him to the initiation venue, while Cosmos himself did not attend the ceremony.
The initiation took a fatal turn when Prosper collapsed during the process. Cosmos later claimed he was informed that the deceased had fainted due to hard drugs he allegedly consumed before the initiation began.
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the incident. Police spokesperson Moses Yamu told reporters in Benin City that the deceased slumped during the initiation and was rushed to a hospital in Jattu, where medical personnel confirmed him dead.
"One suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident and is currently in police custody," Yamu stated, adding that investigations into the matter are ongoing.
This incident comes amid growing concerns about cult-related activities in educational institutions and communities across Nigeria. The Edo State government, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, recently declared war on cultists and kidnappers in the state, promising intensified efforts to combat these criminal elements.
Security experts have called for increased vigilance and community cooperation with law enforcement agencies to identify and report suspicious cult activities before they result in further tragedies.
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