Suspected Cultists Kill Vigilante Chief in Edo
Gunmen suspected to be Cultists in Edo State have reportedly killed a commander of the state vigilante security network.
The killing is said to have generated tension Tension since Sunday at Ekosodin community in Edo state, near the University of Benin, where the incident occured.
It was gathered that the late vigilante commander identified as Osagie, was shot at a tricycle park located along the Benin–Ore dual carriage way in Ovia Northeast local government area of the state created tension in the area which prompted the security network and elders in the community to banned the December 31 crossover night service.
Blue Print reported that the killing of Osagie one week after another vigilante commander in Ogiso community, Oredo local government area, was murdered in similar circumstances on Christmas eve.
Consequently, about 30 persons have so far been reported killed in the renewed cult war between members of Eiye and Black Axe confraternity groups.
Dead bodies were said to have been picked up by police operatives at Okhoro, Medical Stores, Uwelu, Siloko and Evbareke areas of the state.
Trouble was said to have started on December 16, last year after suspected cultists launched a manhunt for their target after he reportedly confisticated financial proceeds from organised Internet scam otherwise known as “Yahoo Yahoo”.
They (hoodlums) were said to have stormed a residence in Ogiso quarters, in search of the target.
It was gathered that the armed cultists became visibly angry as they could not find their target and reportedly shot the target’s mother before fleeing the scene.
The development was said to have led to reprisal attacks on Christmas eve which reportedly left four persons dead, with subsequent attacks claiming scores of lives in the melee.
Reacting the state Police Spokesperson, Chidi Nwabuzor said: “sizeable number of arrest of the secret cult members have been made.”
Nwabuzor, a Superintendent of Police (SP), quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dankwara, as haven said: “The Command is sincerely and vigorously fighting this crime and wish to put it to an end for the State to be peaceful for all.”
