The Edo State Special Taskforce on Anti-Cultism on Wednesday said some suspects have been arrested in the renewed violent clash between members of the Eiye and Vikings confraternities in the state.
Newspot reports that the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare disclosed this on Wednesday at a press conference in Benin City.
Nehikhare, who is also a member of the taskforce, however, warned that there is no breathing space for cultists and cult related activities in the state.
The Taskforce which also warned cult groups against disturbing the peace of the state, advised them to consider leaving the state or get apprehended.
While condemning the killings by suspected cultists in parts of the state. He added that the recent disturbance by suspected cultists on Sunday, October 27, 2024 in Benin City was being investigated with a series of arrests already made.
He added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other key actors and fleeing suspects.
According to him: “The Edo State Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism expressed worry over the recent disturbance by suspected cultists on Sunday, October 27, 2024 in Benin City.
“The violent clashes between rival cult groups in Benin City was being investigated with a series of arrests made, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend other key actors and fleeing suspects.
“The cult violence resulted in the loss of energetic indigenes of the state.
“Preliminary investigations indicates that the violence involved members of the Eiye and Vikings confraternities, reportedly battling for supremacy within the impacted area.
“Upon receiving intelligence about this situation, the Edo State Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism immediately intensified patrols and launched a manhunt for the key leaders of the identified groups.
“The swift and coordinated response of the task force successfully contained the violence, preventing further bloodshed and averting potential escalation.
“Patrol operations have also been reinforced in identified hotspots to forestall any resurgence of violence,” he said.
The commissioner, who assured the public and Edo residents of the safety of their lives and property, vowed that there would be no rest until every identified leader and members involved in the dastardly acts are arrested and brought to justice.
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