At least three youths have been reportedly shot dead in Edo‘s renewed rival cult clashes.
According the Nation, Spokesperson for the State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the incident.
One of the victims, also a youth, who sustained life-threatening injuries from one of the cult clashes, was on danger list in an undisclosed hospital in Benin, the state capital.
Two of the deceased, simply identified as Eze and Bobor – died at Obagie in Ikpoba/Okha Local Government Area while the third victim, Romeo, was shot dead in his betting shop at Second East Circular Road, about 150 metres from Esigie Divisional Police Headquarters in Benin.
It was learnt that Eze and Bobor were driving in a Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle when the gunmen attacked and opened fire on them at close range. Romeo was said to have been killed on Monday by a three-man armed gang.
It was equally said that the renewed cult clash was triggered by land dispute between Amagba and Obagie communities on the outskirt of Benin.
Speaking further on the incident, the police spokesperson said, “Edo State Police Command is taking drastic actions on the suspected secret cult fights and clashes in Edo State.
“Edo Police Command is soliciting timely and useful pieces of information from residents of the state, as the police cannot do it alone.”
Nwabuzor also explained that modern-day policing required inputs from the residents and leaders of communities to quickly nip crimes in the bud.
