The Edo State Special Taskforce on Anti-Cultism announced on Wednesday that several suspects have been apprehended in connection with the recent violent clashes between members of the Eiye and Vikings confraternities in the state.
Chris Nehikhare, the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation and a member of the taskforce, made the announcement during a press conference in Benin City.
He emphasized that there will be no tolerance for cultists or cult-related activities within the state.
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The taskforce also issued a stern warning to cult groups, urging them to either leave the state or face arrest if they continue to disrupt public peace.
Nehikhare condemned the killings attributed to suspected cultists in various parts of Edo State, highlighting that the disturbances that occurred on Sunday, October 27, 2024, in Benin City are currently under investigation, with multiple arrests already made.
He assured the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other key figures and suspects who are on the run.
Read Also: Eiye And Vikings Cult War In Benin City
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 assured the public and residents of Edo that their lives and property are safe.
He pledged that there would be no rest until all identified leaders and members involved in these heinous acts are arrested and held accountable.
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