Two rival cult groups have reportedly murdered six persons in Edo to mark the first anniversary of the killing of two rival leaders of Aye and Eiye confraternities.
The State Police Commissioner, Lawal Jimeta who confirmed the killings, added that 15 suspects had been arrested in connection with the killings.
The victims were said to have been killed on Tuesday at Nomayo Junction, Aifuwa and Three House area of Upper Sakponba Road, in Ikpoba-Okha local government area of the city.
An eye witness reportedly said that over 10 persons hid inside his shop at Three House Junction, while some cult members were shooting sporadically.
He added that four persons were killed at the notorious 3rd Junction.
Policemen were later drafted to 3rd Junction to maintain peace and order in the area.
Residents of the area however accused the policemen of arresting innocent traders and artisans.
The state CP, Jimeta who disclosed that effort were on to stem the violence, warned those involved to desist from it or be made to face the wrath of the law.
Meanwhile, the state government has condemned the spike in cult-related killings in the state.
The government, in a statement by the Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said it would not condone any act of violence or anyone who exploited delinquent youths to cause mayhem in the state.
Osagie added that it had become expedient to sound a note of warning to anyone disrupting public peace and safety, noting that security agencies would spare no resources in bringing violators to book.
According to him, “We are working closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies in the state to arrest the rise in cult clashes. We assure that these clashes will be contained.”
He cautioned parents to keep a close eye on their children and monitor their whereabouts so that they would not be used to do the bidding of desperate persons.
