No fewer than three persons have been killed in a renewed cult clash between Maphites and the Aye group in Benin in different parts of the city centre.
Investigation revealed that a 45-year-old man was killed at Agip, Sapele Road, while another was also killed a few days ago at five junctions.
It was also gathered that the Ekosodin axis was not spared, as a young man was said to have been shot dead as a result of the cult clash.
The renewed cult clash is believed to be the aftermath of a long rivalry between the warring cult groups, which before now had claimed over thirty lives within the Benin metropolis.
Though the reason for the renewed clash could not be ascertained, a spokesperson for some peace-making groups who preferred not to be mentioned said the recent clash might not be unconnected to threats by both cult groups that if the different demands are not met after a certain period, the fight will be resurrected.
The Standard Gazette gathered that the issue was heightened recently in a joint meeting around Sapele Road, where the different members argued over issues that have not yet been figured out.
It was gathered that the Eiye cult group has called on their members in Edo State not to be involved in any fracas with any rival cult while they wait for the outcome of a peaceful resolution regarding the killing of one of their members recently by suspected members of the Ayes cult group.
The Edo State Police Command says the police are on top of the situation and are doing everything possible to arrest those involved in the renewed clash.
According to police Image maker SP Chidi Nwabuzor, the police will catch the perpetrators as Edo has zero tolerance for cult-related clashes.
Standard Gazette