Killing of vigilante chief, others unsettles Edo community

This is not the best of times for Ekosodin community in Edo State, a suburb of University of Benin (UNIBEN), following the killing of its security personnel by suspected cultists.

The Guardian learnt that the late vigilante commander, simply identified as Osagie, was shot at a Keke Napep (tricycle) park, along Benin-Ore road, in Ovia North East Local Council of the state.

Sources revealed that Osagie’s death created anxiety in the area as the community banned the December 31 crossover night service.

The killing came a week after a vigilante commander in Ogiso community, Oredo Local Council, was killed in similar circumstances on Christmas eve.

It was learnt that over 15 persons have been killed at various locations across Benin City, the state capital, following a renewed cult war between members of Eiye and Black Axe cults.

Dead bodies have reportedly been picked up by police operatives at the Uwasota, Okhoro, Medical Stores, Uwelu, Siluko and Evbareke areas.

Trouble was said to have started on December 16, after suspected cultists launched a manhunt for a rival gang member, accused of confiscating the proceeds of an Internet fraud deal.

The assailants had stormed a residence at Ogiso quarters in search of the member. They, however, became furious when they couldn’t find him and shot the mother instead.

The development led to reprisals on Christmas eve, which reportedly left four persons dead.

The state police spokesperson, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, said: “A sizeable number of arrests of the secret cult members have been made.”