BY EBEN ENASCO KINGSLEY, BENIN
here seems to be no end in sight to the killing spree in Edo State;arising from the “three-week-old clash between rival cult groups.”
Our correspondent gathered that trouble had started for the cultists (who often as individuals mobilize support for some political parties) after a disagreement at a polling centre during the March 11, Assembly election in Benin City.
A member of Maphite confraternity was said to have been beaten andhanded to death in the ensuing fracas.
It was further gathered that the incident afterwards spread to town as members of the group (Maphite) vowed to avenge the “assault on their member”.
The clash however took a worrisome dimension last Saturday after members of another rival group, (black axe) allegedly killed a member of Eiye confraternity over “unresolved disagreement”.
The violent clash between the groups (Eiye and Black Axe) last December and early January had claimed over 25 lives.
A source who hinted our correspondent on the development said: “I think those black axe struck at this time in other to attribute the killing to Maphite.
“But unfortunately, a member of Eiye who was around the scene identified some of them.
“And what you are witnessing now is threesome war. Therefore, you cannot also rule out possible retaliations,” he added.
At last count yesterday 43 persons have been reportedly killed in Benin City alone, the State capital.
It’s feared that the skirmishes, if not nibbed in the bud by the security operatives could spread to tertiary institutions and other towns in the State.
Two women are among the dead so far. The mothers were said to have been shot by gunmen suspected to be cultists around third circular road and New Benin area in the metropolis.
One of the women was reportedly shot after he claimed not to know the wereabout of his 25-year-old son when the gunmen came looking for him in her store.
As at the time of filling this report, the State police command were yet to make official statement on the killings.
On his part, the command’s spokesman, DSP, Stephen Onwuchei had said he was yet to be furnished with the development.
“For now, I don’t want to isolate cases or give out information that is untrue,” he stated.
