Just In : Five persons k!lled, 70 houses set abl*ze in renewed cult clashes
Three youths have died in renewed cult clashes in Edo State’.
One of the victims, as at last night, was said to be on danger list in an undisclosed hospital in Benin.
The Nation reports, two of the deceased -Eze and Bobor, met their end at Obagie, Ikpoba/Okha Local Government Area, while the third victim, Romeo, was shot in his betting shop at Second East Circular Road, about 150 metres from Esigie Divisional Police Headquarters in Benin.
It was gathered yesterday evening that Eze and Bobor were driving in a Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), when the gunmen accosted them and opened fire on them, while Romeo was killed yesterday by a three-man gang.
It was also learnt that the renewed cult clash was fueled by a land dispute between Amagba and Obagie communities, on the outskirt of Benin.
Police spokesperson Chidi Nwabuzor, who confirmed the clashes, said: “The cult fights and clashes in Edo State. The police also solicits timely and useful information from residents as we cannot do it alone.
According to the Nation, two persons were also reported killed and 70 houses burnt in a cult clash which turned into a communal strife between Tiv and Jukun youths, in Veterinary Area, NorthBank, Makurdi, Benue State
The incident, which started on Sunday evening, stretched into Monday morning.
An eyewitness, Fidelis Oryiman, said the crisis started as a cult clash where two youths were hacked to death. But as the crisis lingered on into the night, it turned into a communal strife between Tiv and Jukuns who dominate the areas.
Oryiman said: “Houses belonging to both Tiv and Jukun were set ablaze with property with millions destroyed.”
Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Area, James Dwem, who visited the area yesterday morning, appealed to the warring tribes to sheathe their arms and embrace peace.
As at last night, Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Adesina was seen patrolling the area with his team of officers.
