A bloody clash between rival cult groups has claimed one life in Evboyare community, Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State.
The Coordinator of the Edo State Government’s Special Security Squad, Idemudia Noah, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday through Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.
According to Noah, the confrontation between members of the Eiye and Maphite confraternities led to the death of a man identified as Festus. Security intelligence later linked the violence to a suspected Maphite leader, Felix Aigbedion, whose residence has been sealed. Aigbedion has since been declared wanted for allegedly masterminding the attack.
By the time security operatives arrived at the scene, the community had been deserted, with several homes, vehicles, and personal belongings destroyed. Two locally-made firearms were also recovered from a poultry house believed to have served as a makeshift armory for the cultists.
In a follow-up operation, operatives stormed an unoccupied house in Egbaen, Egor Local Government Area, where a secluded shrine believed to be used for initiation rites was uncovered. The property, said to belong to one Marvellous Adetarami, contained fetish items, including a white casket, and has also been sealed by the government.
Noah stressed that the government’s action was part of a broader crackdown on cultism in the state, warning that both the physical and spiritual structures sustaining such groups would be dismantled.
“Governor Monday Okpebholo’s government is unwavering in its commitment to rid Edo State of cult-related violence and criminal networks. These actions are not symbolic; they are clear warnings that clandestine activities will no longer have safe havens in Edo State,” Noah stated.
He further revealed that investigators had also uncovered disturbing evidence of extortion during initiation processes, including victims being forced to transfer money to cult members. He confirmed that the police had been fully briefed and that prosecutions were underway.
The government reiterated its warning to cult members to renounce their affiliations or leave the state, stressing that it remains committed to restoring peace and ensuring safety for residents and businesses across Edo.
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