Cult Clash Claims 30 Lives in Benin City: Edo State Gripped by Ongoing Violence

In a continuing wave of violence, Benin City, the capital of Edo State, remains embroiled in a deadly clash between suspected members of the Black Axe Confraternity and the rival Supreme Eiye Confraternity. The conflict, ignited on December 21, 2023, has now claimed over 30 lives, with no respite in sight.

The bloodshed began with the brutal killing of a member of the Eiye Confraternity known as ‘Lagbaja,’ whose severed head was discovered on December 22, 2023. This grim incident set off a series of reprisal attacks, with three members of the Black Axe Confraternity gunned down at Imagbenikaro Street, Off Siluko Road, on December 24, 2023.

Among the victims were Efosa Osawaru, ‘Culture,’ a Russia-based tattooist, and ‘IK Glo.’ The assailants, reportedly disguised as police officers, struck during a gathering at a house in Imagbenikaro, leaving several others wounded.

Subsequent to these events, another eight suspected cultists, including twin brothers affiliated with the Eiye Confraternity, were killed in various locations around Ogida, Textile Mill, and Uselu on the same night.

As tensions escalated, the violence claimed the lives of notable individuals, including Hilary Odia (Chameleon), a popular Broadcaster with Independent Radio and Television, and a Vigilante Commander in Ogiso community, Oredo local government area, on Christmas Eve.

The conflict further intensified as voice notes circulated, with both the Black Axe Confraternity and Supreme Eiye Confraternity vowing retaliation and declaring an unending war on each other. The New Year’s Eve witnessed heightened tensions in Ekosodin Community, following the killing of Edo State Security Network (ESSN) Commander Osagie, allegedly a member of the Eiye.

The ban on the December 31 crossover night service in Ekosodin did not quell the violence, as five more individuals were killed at Oluku, three at 2nd East circular, and four at Ogida, marking a bloody end to the year for Benin residents.

Cult-related killings also reached Okhoro and Uwelu areas, claiming additional lives on December 31, 2023. Police operatives reported recovering multiple bodies in Okhoro, Medical Stores, Uwelu, Ogida, and Textile Mill Divisions.

In a tragic incident on December 16, a middle-aged woman was killed at Ogiso area during a manhunt for her son, a target of suspected cultists involved in organized crime (Internet scam).

The Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP. Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed a significant number of arrests, quoting the state Commissioner of Police as stating, “The Command is sincerely and vigorously fighting this crime and wishes to put it to an end for the State to be peaceful for all.”