Five Feared Dead in Bloody Cult War in Benin City

Renewed cult clashes between rival gangs have claimed at least five lives in Benin City, Edo State, sending waves of fear through residents and reigniting long-standing concerns over the city’s persistent gang violence. The bloody resurgence, which unfolded between Monday and Tuesday, was reportedly triggered by fresh hostilities between suspected members of the Black Axe and Maphite confraternities.

Sources familiar with the incidents confirmed that the fatalities occurred at various locations across the metropolis, with victims identified by community members as Lucky Okotie, Yoyin, George, Lucky, and Abel. Among the victims was George, a mechanic, who was shot dead in front of his workshop along Oza Street on Monday evening. Yoyin met a similar fate the same day on Oroghene Street, off Siluko Road, after being ambushed by gunmen suspected to belong to a rival cult.

Violence continued into the evening as another individual was gunned down around 7:30 p.m. along Wire Road. On Tuesday, gunmen struck again in broad daylight along Ewah Road, killing another man in what appeared to be a coordinated series of retaliatory attacks. In a chilling account, a resident identified simply as Ibrahim recounted how a victim named Lucky was murdered inside his home on 3rd East Circular Road while his family watched helplessly. Meanwhile, Lucky Okotie, another victim, was reportedly shot near 2nd West while attempting to buy roasted corn. His death, eyewitnesses say, was hastened by delays in reaching the hospital due to heavy traffic.

A fifth unidentified individual was also reportedly shot dead around Textile Mill Road on Monday afternoon, bringing the total number of casualties to at least five within a span of 48 hours.

Attempts to reach the Edo State Police Command for an official response were unsuccessful, as the spokesperson, Moses Yamu, did not respond to calls or messages. However, a senior police officer speaking anonymously confirmed that security agencies were actively pursuing leads to apprehend those responsible and restore calm across the city.

The renewed bloodshed highlights ongoing security challenges in Benin and raises fresh concerns about the influence and reach of cult groups in Edo’s urban centres. Residents remain on edge as authorities scramble to contain the escalating violence.