By Eben Enasco
Benin City, the capital of Edo State, has been plagued by a wave of violent cult killings, leaving residents in fear for their safety.
While the innocent in Benin and its environs sleep, acclaimed strong men from various cult groups are still spraying the bullets, killing for free, members of suspected rivalry cult groups and everyone related as it hits the targets.
The clashes, primarily between Black Axe, and Maphite confraternities cult groups have resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries, therefore defiling by miles Governor Monday Okpebholo’s steps undertaken recently to end all forms of cultism related fracas.
In September 2023, at least 10 people were reportedly killed and several others injured in renewed cult clashes in Benin City and Auchi.
In June 2024, 4 people were killed in similar cult-related violence, with reports indicating that the killings were part of a supremacy battle among different cult groups.
In October 2024, a renewed cult war claimed 8 lives, with sources suggesting that the death toll could be higher.
In November 2024, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State ordered the heads of various security agencies to make Edo unsafe for criminals.
Okpebholo gave the directive during an inaugural security meeting held Monday night in Benin, the Edo State capital. In a statement on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Fred Itua, the governor said his administration places high priority on security.
The governor warned his administration would do everything possible to ensure that the state was safe for every resident, urging security agencies to collaborate and ensure that they put a stop to killings in the state.
In February 2025, The Governor, Monday Okpebholo, as part of efforts to fortify his stance, signed the Secret Cult and Similar Activities Prohibition Law, 2025, into effect.
The new law repeals the Edo State Secret Cult, Prohibition Law, 2018, thereby, introducing stiffer penalties for individuals involved in cult-related activities, their sponsors, and those who harbor cultists.
In his first move to reflect the government’s stance on cultism, some buildings were destroyed to prove his administration meant business.
This feat received commendations in some quarters, while others warned of the consequences of destroying buildings belonging to citizens without due processes, a development seriously frowned upon by the government.
Just as the government has intensified efforts, it appears the various cult groups have unleashed higher new measures, where several persons have been killed in equity by the cult groups in a cycle of retaliatory killings in the state
The violence appears to be fueled by a series of retaliatory killings between the Aye and Maphite cult groups.
It was learned that, Aye cultists allegedly gunned down three individuals, including a mentally unstable Maphite member and two civilians, Maurice and Iyamu.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that Maurice and Iyamu had no known ties to cult groups.
However, Maphite cultists struck back, killing two Aye members, including Scramble and Chris.
It was reported that, Scramble was described as a notorious senior Aye member who had evaded attacks for a long time.
The violence escalated further with the circulation of a gruesome video allegedly showing a beheading.
Although the footage was later confirmed to be old, it sparked fresh fear and confusion.
On a day light action, a man identified as Justice was shot four times in the head on Arousa Street where eye witnesses reported that the killers fled in a Lexus SUV, shouting “Haba-Krier,” a chant associated with the Eiye confraternity.
A further bloodshed followed at Wire Road, where two individuals were shot, and one of them, Osas, died on the spot. Maphite reportedly claimed responsibility.
The cycle of violence continued with Aye members retaliating and gunning down a Maphite member known as Tallest at 3rd Circular Road. Another attack was recorded at Uzama, Erhunmwunse axis.
However, there have been various police checkpoints and stop and search coordinated by the State Police Command in collaboration with local security service where several suspected cultists have been arrested and tried.
Summary of this coordinated operations by the police is that, over 9 people have been killed in the deadly clash between the rivalry clash between June 1, and 10, 2025, amidst security checks, pointing to the fact that the police and the state government should re-strategize and roll out counter measures to end the blood lettings.
The cult killings are often linked to battles for supremacy among the different groups, leading to violent confrontations and innocent lives lost.
The cult activities have created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity in Benin City and its environs, with residents retreating to their homes early to avoid becoming victims.
Homes across the state are lamenting over hunger and starvation, and in another breath facing monumental killings in the state.
The police have faced challenges in tackling the cult menace, with some residents expressing concerns about the effectiveness of security measures.
The tact between government and the governed is the provision of security for all, and if this is not yielding the right results, there’s an urgent need to put aside politics and curb security challenges.
The fear allayed by the public is that, who will end the escalation, and when will those commissioned to do so will permanently do so?
Even at the behest of the choices to join violent cult groups by those now victims of their own action stems at the faces of all, will the authority metain grave silence and watch the youths fall like a pack of cards? God forbid!
The consequences of violence often extend far beyond those directly involved, leaving a trail of suffering and pain for innocent relatives and the broader society.
Therefore, it is essential to address the root causes of violence and work towards creating a safer, more peaceful community for all.
