The cult war between Aiye, popularly known as black Axe and Eiye confraternity has led to the death of over 14 members from both cult groups in Benin City, Edo State Capital, on Sunday, the eve of Christmas.
According to findings, the war started after a young man was seen in a video, said to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity making a mockery of the opposite cult group.
It was gathered that the mockery led to the attack leading to the death of several persons including a broadcaster with the Independent Television and Radio, Hillary Odia eho is the anchor man of a popular radio program, “Rush Hour” who was reportedly shot dead while having fun at a relaxation spot in St Savior Road, near upper sakpoba.
In the process of the attack, four persons were killed at a swoop who were members of the Eiye Confraternity which was said to have led by renforcement the Eiye confraternity.
Prior to this current killings, the Maphite Confraternity and Aiye Black Axe were in gun battle , which later multiple killings between Eiye and Aiye.
A member of maphite Confraternity had a day to Christmas Eve allegedly killed a member of Aiye also known as Black Axe Confraternity behind the popular Evbareke Spare parts in the Textile mill axis.
As a way of avenging the killing of its member, Aiye went after Eiye in what appear to be a wrong target at the Eiye where four members were killed.
According to information, one Courage Idehen, was shot at Uselu quarters, one at Universal Medical stores Road, another Ufoma at Oluku axis, and a member at Textile Mill Road axis.
This, according to source led to Eiye declaring war on Aiye for killing four of its members at the instance of the maphite who was reported to have started the the killings.
Another member of Aiye Confraternity was killed in front of his mother at a Ediaken Primary School Road.
Three members of the Aiye, were also killed at Siloko Road at various locations and one was killed at Circular Road all in Benin Metropolis.
In a press statement, jointly signed by the chairman and Secretary of Nigeria union of journalists, Edo state council, the union condemned the killing of Hillary Ordia , ITV broadcaster in cold blood. And it urged police command in Edo state to investigate those behind murder and bring them to justice.
Confirming the development, the Edo State Police Command said its is investigating the the killings in the state.
A statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, read: “The Command is aware of the Secret Cult fighting and the killings in the state mostly in the Benin metropolis in the recent times that took the lives of innocent citizens particularly that of Mr Hillary Nosa Odia, a staff of Independent Television and Radio, Benin City.
“The Command is sincerely and vigorously fighting this crime and wishes to put it to an end for the state to be peaceful for all. Its efforts in fighting against secret cult members or to stop the killings are shown in the lobst of one of its personnel during operation in the Ugbowo axis on the 24th of December, 2023. Nevertheless, a sizeable number of arrests of the secret cult members of various cult groups have been made in different locations in the state and will soon be charged to court for prosecution.
“In view of the above, CP Mohammed Adamu Dankwara, FBDFM, FCIMN, the Commissioner Of Police Edo State, appeals to the good people of Edo State remain calm and go about with their Christmas celebration. He reiterates the command’s commitments and readiness of officers and men to ensure the safety of the lives and property of the citizenry and residents of Edo State during this yuletide period.
“He, however, solicits the citizens’ participation in giving out information to the Police as modern and civilised Polling entails citizenship and community polling.”
