Bloody week of cult violence claims over 9 lives in Benin

…Residents cry out as brutal clashes between rival cults spiral out of control

From Staff Writer

Benin City has descended into a state of fear and mourning following a deadly surge in cult-related violence that has left at least nine people dead in the space of a week. The bloody feud between rival groups—Maphite and Aye—has turned neighbourhoods into battlegrounds, claiming the lives of both cultists and innocent civilians.

Reports indicate that the violence has been fuelled by a series of retaliatory killings between the two cult groups. Aye cultists were said to have gunned down three individuals: a mentally unstable Maphite member identified as White, and two civilians—Maurice, a restaurant owner in Amagba, and Iyamu, killed at Uwelu. Eyewitnesses and community members confirmed that Maurice and Iyamu had no known ties to cult groups, though the latter was rumoured to have been friends with the Buccaneers.

In response, Maphite cultists struck back, killing two Aye members—Scramble and Chris—at Isihor and Oluku respectively. Scramble, whose real name was Ehis, was described as a notorious senior Aye member who had long evaded attacks and was feared across several communities.

Tensions escalated further when a gruesome video allegedly showing a beheading circulated online. Though both cult groups initially laid claim to the act, independent sources later confirmed the footage was not recent. The incident nonetheless sparked fresh fear and confusion.

On Arousa Street, another life was snuffed out in daylight as a man identified as Justice, also known as “Judge,” was shot four times in the head. His killers, according to witnesses, fled in a Lexus SUV shouting “Haba-Kryer”—a chant traditionally associated with the Eiye confraternity. This has raised suspicions that the killing may have been a calculated act of provocation or misdirection.

Naija Confra reports that further bloodshed followed at Wire Road, where two more individuals were shot, one of whom, identified as Osas, died on the spot. Maphite reportedly claimed responsibility. At 3rd Circular Road, Aye members retaliated, gunning down a Maphite member known as Tallest. Yet another attack was recorded at Uzama, Erhunse, continuing the bloody cycle.

Perhaps the most heart-wrenching killing was that of Precious, a fashion designer in Oluku who had recently completed his marriage introduction and just welcomed a newborn with his wife. According to reports, he was shot in the leg and then in the chest by suspected Aye cultists while standing outside his shop. The attackers allegedly recorded the murder, but deleted the video upon learning he was not affiliated with any cult group.

The violence is not confined to Benin City alone. In Jattu, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo North, a man suspected of cult involvement and owner of a football viewing centre was shot and left hospitalised with bullet wounds.

Residents are now questioning the efficacy of the recently updated Edo State anti-cultism law. With the Supreme Court affirming the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo, citizens are demanding that he take immediate and decisive action to curb the growing wave of cultism, kidnapping, and violent crime that has gripped the State.

A local resident who spoke under condition of anonymity lamented: “We cannot sleep with our eyes closed. The government must wake up. Our streets are bleeding. Parents are burying their children. This is not normal.”

As Edo State mourns yet again, the question remains: how many more lives must be lost before decisive action is taken to reclaim the streets from these deadly cult wars?