29th October, 2024
By Jethro Ibileke
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the death of one individual following a clash between the Black Axe and Macphite confraternities in Benin City.
Anonymous sources claimed that as many as five people were killed, a figure that sharply contrasts with the official casualty count provided by the police.
One source, speaking on condition of anonymity, linked the renewed violence to recent killings in Auchi and surrounding areas, where six individuals were reportedly slain two weeks ago.
The deadly clash occurred in the Upper Sakponba area, within Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area. Allegedly, two victims were traced to their residence and killed, while others were reportedly shot in the street.
In response to inquiries, the State Command spokesman, SP Moses Joel Yamu, confirmed one fatality but could not verify if it was cult-related.
“I don’t know if these were cult killings, but I can confirm one or two corpses,” Yamu stated. “I can confirm a corpse that was found around Pipeline area; I have the picture on my phone. As of today, I have no information on any further incidents.”
