Benin City, Edo State, was rocked by a tragic wave of cult violence on Christmas Eve, leading to the deaths of several individuals, including a local ITV journalist and a vigilante commander. The escalating conflict between rival cult groups, Eiye and Black Axe, has instilled fear and chaos in the community, marking a grim holiday season for the residents.
Mr. Hilary Odia, a well-known cinematographer and presenter with Independent Television (ITV), was reportedly shot dead at his residence on Esigie Street in the Oredo Local Government Area. The attack did not stop there; a vigilante commander known as Osasu, along with two other individuals, were also killed in separate incidents across the city. Osasu was ambushed and fatally shot at Iyobosa Street, while the other two victims were attacked on Nekpen-Nekpen and Uwa streets.
The brutality of the assaults suggests a possible reprisal fight between the notorious Eiye and Black Axe confraternities, known for their longstanding and deadly rivalry. Some victims, it is feared, may have been caught in the crossfire, innocently losing their lives due to their proximity to the cult’s violent activities.
While a police source has indicated that only two fatalities were confirmed and one injured person is receiving medical treatment, the actual death toll seems higher according to local reports. The police, while acknowledging the incident, have yet to release full details.
The killings have sent shockwaves through Benin City, especially in the second and third circular areas, where residents experienced a subdued Christmas atmosphere due to the palpable fear spreading through their communities. This latest incident follows a recent attack near Third East Circular, where gunmen, failing to find their intended target, killed the mother of the individual they were seeking.
The police suggest that this surge in violence could be a retaliatory act linked to last week’s killing, indicating a deep-rooted cycle of retribution and aggression among the cult groups. As the community reels from these attacks, the need for effective intervention and a robust response to cult-related violence has never been more critical.
The Edo State police, represented by spokesperson SP Chidi Nwanbuzor, confirmed the tragic events, signaling an ongoing investigation to uncover the full extent of this disturbing outbreak of violence. As the city mourns the loss of its citizens, the call for peace and safety echoes louder, hoping to end the reign of terror imposed by these cults.
Wow !