Reprisal Cult Clash Claims 2 Lives In Edo

 

DanMallam Mohammed, Edo CP

A reprisal cult clash that occured on Sunday, in Iyakpi, near Auchi, the administrative headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, has reportedly claimed two lives.

The two were killed at different location in the community, following the earlier killing of one Sikiru Jeliu Saruday night by a rival cult group.

Among the victims was one Irale Obas, who recently passed out from the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC).

It was gathered that the victims were killed to retaliate the murder of the brother to the leader of one of the confraternity groups, about a fortnight ago.

Unfortunately his younger brother who was his look-alike, was killed in a mistaken identity.

In all, the recent cult war between the Aye and Jurist confraternity groups have resulted in the loss of four lives.

Palpable tension was said to have enveloped the community, following the Sunday killings which occurred simultaneously at different locations​, as most of the youths have escaped for safety.

Commercial activities have also declined in the busy community that is home to most students of Auchi Polytechnic.

Effort to get police confirmation of the incident failed, as calls made to the mobile phone of the State Police Command Spokesman, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor, failed to connect.

However, a source at the Auchi Area Command office who did not want to be named, said police operatives have been drafted to the affected community to apprehend the culprits.