Suspected cultists kill eight in Edo

The ongoing cult war between Aye and Eiye confraternities has led to the killing of eight persons in Benin City, the Edo State capital, and its environs in the last three days.

On Monday night, an undergraduate identified as John Terry was killed at Upper Uwa Street, off Murtala Muhammed Way, Benin City.

Sources said he was engaged as a polling agent to one of the parties for the February 16 botched elections.

Eyewitnesses said Terry was beaten to death with rods and sticks by his assailants.

A father of four identified as Africa was yesterday morning hacked to death at Aifuwa junction after gunshots did not penetrate his body.

The body of Africa was dumped at the Central Hospital mortuary.

At Three House area at Upper Sokponba, in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government, traders and shop owners scampered for safety as suspected cultists robbed passers-by and shot into the air.

Two boys belonging to a rival cult were shot dead.

A pharmaceutical shop owner, who pleaded anonymity, said over 20 persons ran into his shop when the shooting started.

He said they laid on the floor to avoid being hit by stray bullets.

The source said traders in the area, since Sunday, closed shops around 7:30pm.

Said he: “I was inside my shop when I received a call that I should lock my shop and go home because the area was about to be attacked. As I stood up to tell my boys to lock up, I saw people running into my store to take refuge.

“All of us were on the floor while shootings were on. We later heard that many people were robbed, while two boys were killed.”

Another witness said policemen later came to the area and arrested innocent persons.

On Sunday night, the manager of the hotel owned by ex-Super Eagles player Osaze Odemwingie, Osato Okunkpolor, was killed by suspected cultists, who engaged in a shootout.

Last December, Governor Godwin Obaseki unveiled a new security outfit called “Operation Wabaizigan” (Stop All Bad Things). It was equipped with 30 Hilux Vans, 50 patrol vehicles having communications gadgets, two APC vehicles and motorcycles.

Command spokesman Chidi Nwabuzor said the police have set up security measures to ensure Benin City is safe.

He said it was too early to condemn the new security outfit, urging residents to be patient, as the focus was on the general election.

A security source said the renewed killings since last Saturday were linked to the money released by parties for the now postponed elections.