Within 24 hours of a middle-aged man's death, three more people have been reported dead in Benin, allegedly killed by suspected cultists.
The previous victim, Ehis Dada, was reportedly killed on his way home from church.
It is understood that the recent spate of violence in Benin is due to conflicts between two rival cult groups, the Black Axe confraternity and the Maphite group.
One victim, known as Schoolboy and believed to be a member of the Maphite, was killed at the Okhun junction in Oluku Quarters.
The assailants reportedly attacked a police officer with their vehicle, a GLK 350 4Matic Car with the registration number DGE Edo 170 AL.
They then allegedly snatched the officer's AK 47 rifle and used it to kill their targets. Afterwards, they abandoned the vehicle near the Appico area on Upper Sokponba Road, as security forces pursued them.
The identities of the two other victims, and the cult groups they may have belonged to, are yet unclear. These individuals were killed at different locations along the Uselu-Ugbowo axis in Benin.
When asked for comment, the Police Public Relations Officer, Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed awareness of the killings.
However, he stated that it was not confirmed if the deaths were due to cult activities. He mentioned, "Our tactical team has swung into action, an investigation is on and by Tuesday, we will be able to get a clearer picture."
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