A violent clash between rival cult groups, Eiye and Maphite, has left one person dead in Evboyare Community, Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State.
The deceased, identified as Festus, was reportedly killed during the confrontation.
The Coordinator of the Edo State Government’s Special Security Squad, Idemudia Noah, disclosed the incident in a statement issued through the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua.
He described the scene as bloody, noting that security operatives met the community deserted, with homes, vehicles, and personal property destroyed.
Authorities have since sealed the residence of suspected Maphite leader Felix Aigbedion, who has been declared wanted for allegedly masterminding the attack.
Two locally-made guns were also recovered from a poultry house believed to have served as an armory for the cultists.
In a related operation, security agents stormed an unoccupied building in Egbaen, Egor Local Government Area, where they uncovered a shrine, a white casket, and fetish items reportedly used for initiation rites.
The property, linked to Marvellous Adetarami, has also been sealed.
Speaking after the raids, Noah emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance stance on cultism.
“These measures are not symbolic. They send a clear message that Edo will no longer serve as a safe haven for cult activities,” he said.
Investigations further revealed instances of extortion, where victims were allegedly forced to transfer money to cult groups during initiation.
The police have been briefed and are pursuing prosecutions.
The Edo State Government has warned cultists to renounce their membership or leave the state, stressing its commitment to ensuring peace, stability, and safety for residents.