A violent clash between rival cult groups, Eiye and Maphite, has left one person dead in Evboyare Community, Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State.
The deceased, identified as Festus, was killed during the confrontation, which the Edo State Government’s Special Security Squad described as bloody.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua, the squad’s coordinator, Idemudia Noah, revealed that the residence of alleged Maphite leader, Felix Aigbedion, was sealed off after intelligence linked him to the crisis. Aigbedion has since been declared wanted for allegedly masterminding the assault.
By the time security operatives arrived, the community had been deserted, with homes, vehicles, and personal property showing signs of destruction. Two locally-made firearms were recovered from a poultry house allegedly used as a makeshift armory by the cultists.
In a related operation, security agents uncovered a shrine in an unoccupied building at Egbaen, Egor Local Government Area. The property, said to belong to Marvellous Adetarami, contained a white casket and other fetish items suspected to be used for initiation rites and clandestine activities. The building was also sealed by the government.
Noah reaffirmed the government’s uncompromising stance on cultism:
“The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo is unwavering in its determination to purge Edo State of cult-related violence and criminal syndicates. These measures are not symbolic. They are a clear statement that clandestine activities will no longer find sanctuary in Edo State.”
He disclosed that investigators also uncovered evidence of extortion during initiation rites, including forced transfers of money from victims to cultists. Police authorities, he added, have been fully briefed and are pursuing prosecutions.
Noah further warned cultists to renounce their memberships or leave Edo State, stressing that the government is committed to restoring peace, stability, and safety for residents and businesses.
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