by Isi Esene

There seems to be a post-election crisis brewing in Edo State as rival cult groups are attacking each other over money allegedly disbursed to them by an unidentified politician in the state to utilize their notoriety in his favour during the elections.

At the last count, six people have been reported killed by warring cult groups over which group should take the lion share of the politician’s largesse.

The dispute is said to be mainly between the Eiye and Black Axe Confraternity who have renewed their war of attrition over this development.

According to the Guardian Newspapers, a young man, Nosa Ebohon, also known as Biggie was shot and killed on Wednesday by two men suspected to be members of a rival cult group at Ugbowo, close to the University of Benin campus.

Another student was also said to have been killed around 11pm at Zabayo Street, off Stadium junction on Wednesday. He was said to have died due to injuries he sustained from several machete cuts inflicted on him by yet unknown suspects.

According to witnesses, the Ugbowo killing was said to have been carried out by members of the Eiye Confraternity who accosted the victim at a relaxation spot and shot him to death at close range. His body has been deposited at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) mortuary.

Olayinka Balogun, the Edo State Police Commissioner refused to comment on the development claiming he had just returned to his duty post after a temporary redeployment from the state during the election period.

Airwhoyo Anthony, the Police Spokesman, however confirmed one of the cases giving assurances that those found culpable would be made to face full weight of the law.

With observers expecting reprisal attacks, it is not certain we have seen the end of these cult violence.