By Our Reporter
Fresh violence linked to suspected cult groups has claimed more than 17 lives at the Ulemon community along Upper Airport Road in Benin City, raising fresh security concerns in Edo State’s capital.
Residents and anonymous sources said the killings followed a violent clash between members of the Black Axe and Maphite confraternities, with the violence spreading across parts of the Upper Airport Road axis in Oredo Local Government Area.
While unofficial accounts put the death toll at about 19, the Edo State Police Command said it could only confirm a few casualties as of the time of filing this report, noting that investigations were ongoing.
A source who spoke on condition of anonymity linked the latest violence to a series of cult-related killings recorded in Auchi and surrounding communities about two weeks ago, where at least six persons were reportedly killed.
According to residents, the latest attack involved targeted killings, with at least two victims allegedly traced to their residence and shot, while others were gunned down on the streets.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the discovery of corpses in the area but said the command had yet to establish whether the deaths were cult-related.
“I don’t know if these were cult killings, but I can confirm one or two corpses,” Ikoedem said. “I can confirm corpses that were found around Upper Airport Road area. As of today, I have no information on any further incidents.”
The police spokesperson added that investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the killings and to identify those responsible.
The latest incident underscores growing concerns about the resurgence of cult-related violence in parts of Edo State, particularly within Benin City and some communities in the northern axis of the state.
Residents have called for increased security patrols and intelligence-driven operations to curb the spate of killings and restore confidence among citizens and businesses operating in the area.