In response to escalating cult-related violence in Edo State, the Benin United Forum has called on the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, to invoke curses upon individuals perpetuating these killings, similar to his previous intervention on human trafficking in the kingdom.

The Edo State Police Command confirmed the death of one individual following a violent clash between the Eiye and Vikings confraternities in Upper Sokponba, although local sources report as many as eight fatalities. According to eyewitnesses, a failed peace meeting at Tipper Garage in Idogbo ignited further violence, with confrontations erupting and escalating into fatal retribution between the groups.

Benin United Forum, in a statement by President Iyamu Culture and Secretary Osayuki-Osa Benson, pleaded with the Oba to mobilize chief priests to curse those responsible. “We appeal to Oba Ewuare II to direct our Ohens across Benin Kingdom to curse those hiding under cultism, especially around Upper Sokponba, Egor/Uwelu, Ugbowo/Uselu, and parts of GRA, areas that have become hotspots for barbaric acts,” the statement read.

Echoing this, the Network of Civil Society Organisations (NCSO) called on authorities to lift a recent ban on vigilante groups to help curb cult violence. President Ogbidi Emmanuel stated that the security void left by the “needless ban on the Edo State Joint Security Network” has exacerbated crime rates, particularly in local communities.

Police spokesperson Moses Yamu confirmed the discovery of a single victim but noted no further updates. “I can confirm one corpse was picked on Monday around the pipeline,” he said, “but I have no further information on additional casualties.”

As communities and local authorities grapple with the rising death toll, the demand for a robust response intensifies, reflecting a city on edge amid a violent feud without end in sight.