Gumen Kill another vigilante chief in Edo, death till rises to 30
Tension heightened on Sunday at Ekosodin community in Edo state, following the reported killing of the vigilante commander in the area by gunmen suspected to be cultists.
The late vigilante commander identified as Osagie, was reportedly shot at a Keke Napep park located along the Benin – Ore express road in Ovia Northeast local government area of the state.
Blueprint gathered that Osagie’s death created tension in the area as the security network and elders in the community banned the December 31 crossover night service.
Besides, the security network chief’s killing was coming one week after a vigilante commander in Ogiso community, Oredo local government area, was killed in similar circumstances on Christmas eve.
It was learnt that over 30 persons have so far been reported killed in the renewed cult war between members of Eiye and Black Axe confraternity groups.
Dead bodies were said to have been picked up by police operatives at Okhoro, Medical Stores, Uwelu, Siloko and Ebvaeke areas.
Trouble was said to have started on December 16, after suspected cultists launched a manhunt for their target after he reportedly confiscated financial proceeds from organised Internet scam otherwise known as “Yahoo Yahoo”.
They (hoodlums) were said to have stormed a residence in Ogiso quarters, in search of the target.
It was gathered that the armed cultists became visibly angry as they could not find their target and reportedly shot the target’s mother before fleeing the scene.
The development was said to have led to reprisal attacks on Christmas eve. The attacks reportedly left four persons dead, even as subsequent attacks have claimed scores of lives.
The state Police spokesperson, SP. Chidi Nwabuzor had said: “sizeable number of arrest of the secret cult members have been made.”
He quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dankwara, as saying: “The Command is sincerely and vigorously fighting this crime and wish to put it to an end for the State to be peaceful for all.”
