Cult-war spurs fresh panic in Edo

National Daily

28 March 2011

Cult-war spurs fresh panic in Edo

.•Black Axe dares Eiye Confraternity

AGAIN, the  ancient city of Benin, Edo State is back  in the news for the wrong reasons. Many of the residents believe the “heart-beat of the nation” is under  siege from rival cult groups - Black Axe (Aiye) and Eiye Confraternity.

Over 26 suspects killed

Investigation revealed that the fiery cult groups declared war on each other in a bid to demonstrate supremacy. National Daily gathered more than 26 suspected cultists were killed in the latest onslaught some days ago.

Politicians, land speculators recruit cultists

The two dreaded rival groups allegedly recruited by politicians and land speculators reportedly took over major streets intimidating, causing panic and openly demonstrating violence to scare the people.

At the moment, most residents of Benin are seriously concerned about their security and safety following the unending fracas of these miscreants. National Daily gathered that unemployed youths are active participants in the nefarious activities of the cults whose sponsors, our investigation showed are mostly influential politicians. Most times, these cult groups operate as youth organizations to cover their true identities and evade curiosity of  members of the public. For the residents of the streets which  witnessed the violence, Eiye confraternity and Aiye are merchants of death because they often battle for supremacy with sophisticated assault weapons.