Cult-related clashes claim two lives in Edo

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 - Two persons have reportedly been killed by suspected gunmen in a clash believed to be linked to cult activities in Edo State.

The incidents happened in Ugbiyokho area, along the Ekehuan road in Ovia North- East and at Jattu Junction in Auchi, in Etsako West Local Government area of the state.

In the Auchi incident, a motor park worker simply identified as Jogodo was shot dead on Monday about 10:30 am at Jattu Junction in Auchi by assailants.

It was learned that the assailants who reportedly arrived in a black Lexus RX 350 sport utility vehicle immediately opened fire on the victim (Jogodo) before fleeing the scene.

In another separate incident, a young man simply identified as Happy was also reportedly shot dead around the Ugbiyokho area along Ekehuan road in the Ovia North-East Local Government. 

The victim was said to be returning home from work when the incident occurred.

A source who spoke on condition of anonymity said that while the deceased’s wife was opening the gate to their residence, the attackers, who had allegedly laid an ambush for him, emerged and shot him at close range before escaping.

He added that the victim was rushed to a hospital but later died from the gunshot wounds. 

The rationale behind the attacks could not be immediately ascertained at the time of filing this report.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police  Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said three suspects have been arrested in connection with the Auchi incident.

According to her, we have three suspects in custody, which the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has ordered for the transfer of the suspect  to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the command’s headquarters”

Eno said the park has been temporarily sealed since it is a murder case.

She said preliminary investigations revealed that the issue was over the control of the park, adding that it was sealed off to prevent further bloodshed.

The incidents have raised fresh concerns over cult-related violence in the state and the affected areas.