Breaking: Edo Govt Declares Outlawed Group’s Leader Wanted Amid Fresh Fatal Clash
- The Edo government declared a suspected criminal wanted for alleged involvement in cult-related killings in the state
- At least one person has been reportedly killed in Uhunmwode during clashes between suspected 'Eiye confraternity' and Maphites members
- In a statement, authorities in Edo declared that Felix Aigbedion has been identified as one of the ring leaders
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Benin City, Edo state - The Edo state government on Thursday, August 21, declared Felix Aigbedion, the alleged leader of Maphite confraternity, wanted.
Aigbedion was declared wanted following a recent fatal clash between Maphite confraternity and Eiye in Evboyare community in Uhunmwode local government area (LGA) of Edo state.
Source: Facebook
As reported by The Punch, one person died in the attack.
The government's position was disclosed on Thursday, August 21, by Idemudia Noah, the coordinator of the Edo state government’s special security squad. Noah's statement was conveyed via a release by the chief press secretary (CPS) to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua.
He said Aigbedion has been declared wanted as he is believed to be the mastermind of the deadly assault during a community dispute that spiralled into cult violence.
Noah described the scene of the clash as "bloody" while disclosing that Aigbedion's residence was sealed after intelligence linked him to the crisis.
Security operatives tackle Edo cultists
Noah further disclosed that by the time police personnel and other security operatives arrived in Evboyare, the community was deserted as homes, vehicles, and personal property bore the marks of destruction.
He stated that two locally-made guns were recovered from a poultry house, which was identified as a makeshift armoury for cultists.
According to the statement, the operatives, acting on intelligence, also stormed an unoccupied building in Egbaen, Egor LGA, where a secluded shrine was uncovered at the rear of the premises.
Speaking after the operation, Noah said:
“The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo is unwavering in its determination to purge Edo state of cult-related violence and criminal syndicates.
“We have sealed the property of Felix Aigbedion, who has been implicated in the fatal clash at Evboyare which claimed the life of one Festus, as well as the Egbaen residence of Marvellous Adetarami, where a shrine was uncovered."
Cultism menace in Edo state
Legit.ng reports that cultism is a significant problem in Edo state, posing a threat to security and development. The activities of cult groups have created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. Governor Okpebholo, who assumed office in September 2024, faces the challenge of addressing this issue and restoring peace and security to the state.
Source: Twitter
In June, the Edo state government launched a major youth-centred initiative, Project RISE — Resist Initiation, Securing Education, aimed at stamping out cultism and equipping young people with skills and opportunities for a more secure future.
According to Uriesi Aarebamen Alex, who is coordinating the programme, Project RISE goes beyond awareness.
He said:
“It is a movement to rescue the future of our youth. Cultism has robbed many of their potential. Edo youth deserve better — and we are taking action.”
In partnership with the Nigeria Police Force's anti-cultism unit and the Department of State Services (DSS), the programme will also involve workshops to educate youths on the legal consequences and dangers of cultism.
Read more Edo state news:
- Edo Auchi crash: "Dangote is not responsible," new report presents alleged cause of accidents
- Edo PDP pioneer chairman is dead
Cultists kill skit maker
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that there was panic in the Lakowe community of Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos after a prominent skit maker, Austin, was found dead with machete cuts.
Austin, who is also a professional hairstylist, was said to have sensed danger before the attack.
The assailants dragged Austin out of his room and hacked him to death on the spot.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
