There was palpable tension in Benin City, the Edo State capital yesterday, following a deadly clash between the Black Axe, widely known as Aye, and Macphite confraternities.
Varying sources concurred that as many as five persons were killed, but the police were only able to confirm one fatality.
Local sources linked the renewed violence to recent killings in Auchi and surrounding areas, where six individuals were reportedly slain two weeks earlier.
The deadly clash occurred in the Upper Sakponba area, within Ikpoba-Okha Local Government area.
It was gathered that two victims were traced to their residence and killed, while others were reportedly shot in the street.
In response to inquiries, the State Command spokesman, SP Moses Joel Yamu, confirmed one fatality but could not verify if it was cult-related.
“I don’t know if these were cult killings, but I can confirm one or two corpses,” Yamu quipped, adding “I can confirm a corpse that was found around Pipeline area; I have the picture on my phone. As of today, I have no information on any further incidents.”
Only recently, howeverm police operatives of the Edo Statearrested some alleged members of Black Axe and Eiye cult groups wreaking havoc in parts of the state.
In a statement shared on its official X handle, the arrests were made in response to the killing of three of their victims.
The command, in the statement, stated that there was a breakout of violent attack between Aye ( Black Axe) and Eiye secret cult confraternities at South-Ibie in Edo North.
It revealed that “One Umoru was attacked and shot dead by some members of Aye Cult group at Campus gate Auchi.
“The operatives of South-Ibie Division and Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Unit of the Command stormed the scene and arrested seven cultists of Black Axe group.”
The police also stated that another deadly attack was carried out on April 22, 2024, “where one Emmanuel Odiase, a member of Black Axe, was killed in Auchi, by members of Eiye cult group.”
It also narrated another clash that happened on April 23, 2024, when “one Braimoh Fulani, a 43 years old was killed in his provision shop at campus area in Auchi by members of Aye’s cult group who came to his shop with unregistered Lexus 350 saloon car, golden colour.
“With the timely information from members of the public, Police operatives mobilised and gave them hot chase in collaboration with the vigilante group where they were arrested and their weapons recovered,” it stated.
The police, also in the statement, identified a young man in red shirt as an Aye secret cult member who was alleged to have received a phone call from his cult members on a mission to carry out an attack on the late Mr Umoru.
“He left the place and Umoru was attacked and shot dead. He was later arrested through a diligent investigation and confessed to the crime,” the statement revealed.
The command assured that the suspects would soon be charged to court.
