Ben Ogbemudia, Abuja
The renewed clashes between two rival cult groups, Eiye confraternity and Vikings in some parts of Benin, Edo State capital, has resulting in the death of over 20 persons.
Investigation revealed that the cult clashes, which have become frequent and causing tension in Idogbo areas of the Upper Sakponba, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of the state, have led to shooting sprees which have affected business activities.
Our reporter gathered that the clashes, which started due to misunderstandings among friends belonging to rival cult groups, quickly spread to city centres with little or no resistance from security agencies.
A call put across to the police Image maker yielded little or no result, as he said he was on his way to Auchi over the kidnap of a Reverend Father.
However, the situation is now causing apprehension among the people and other well-meaning individuals.
A civil society group, NOUSCON, has blamed the renewed cult clashes on the Inspector General of Police’s ban on the vigilante network in Edo, which was doing everything in conjunction with the Police to help curb the ugly menace, which has stopped for many years.
The leadership who frowned on how the IGP, because of politics, banned such a crucial outfit without recourse to the lives and property of the people says that a singular act has caused a big issue for the people living in the state as they sleep with their two eyes open.
“The Network of Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria has recently frowned at the Killings in Edo State in which an estimated number of 10 persons have been confirmed dead- 4 persons recorded at Upper Sokponba, while others are scattered in various parts of Benin Metropolis, with some others victims sustaining various degrees of injuries.
“The alleged cult clash, which is perceived to be between rival cult groups, has been largely blamed on the porous nature of security in the state following the needless ban on the Edo State Joint Security Network earlier trained by the Police.
“The ban by the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has since brought about an alarming increase in crime, especially in the local communities.
“Petty crimes such as one chance, theft, breaking and entering, and several attacks on women going to markets in the early hours of the morning have been on the increase since the absence of the local Vigilantes.
“This decision by the IGP is a decision which is highly condemnable, regrettable and very appalling and must be revisited by all concerned, with the urgency it deserves to restore the deteriorating security situation in Edo State quickly.
“You will agree with me that the Vigilantes have been very helpful in community policing, information gathering and sharing with the Police and swift response to crime within the locals as well as taming cultists and cultism in their domain of operations as they are said to know who is who in their area; Hence could easily suspect a strange fellow or movement.”
“NOUSCON also regrets to announce that till now, the Nigeria Police have yet to make any meaningful statement to revive the hope of Edo people on their safety and what they are doing to stop this menace of secret cult Killings.
“The Commissioner of Police in Edo State must, as a matter of urgency, do a proper investigation into this cult clash, which has led to the gruesome murder of promising youth and brought the menace to a halt immediately.
“Lastly, we urge those responsible for these needless killings to rethink and stop the massacre, as no reason(s) is justifiable enough to take the life of another man.
“We wish to reiterate our commitment to promoting peace, tranquillity, social cohesion, and justice as a responsible civil society organisation whose utmost interest is to make the society habitable and a better place for all.”
