A violent clash between members of the Eiye and Maphite confraternities in Evboyare community, Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State, has claimed the life of a man identified as Festus.
Coordinator of the Edo State Government’s Special Security Squad, Idemudia Noah, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Thursday by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.
Noah described the scene as bloody, adding that the home of alleged Maphite leader, Felix Aigbedion, has been sealed after intelligence linked him to the violence. He noted that Aigbedion, now declared wanted, is suspected of orchestrating the assault that escalated a community dispute into cult violence.
By the time security operatives arrived, Evboyare had been deserted, with homes, vehicles, and other property destroyed. Two locally-made firearms were also recovered from a poultry house believed to have been used as an armory.
Acting on further intelligence, operatives raided an unoccupied building in Egbaen, Egor Local Government Area, on Wednesday, where a shrine was uncovered.
The property, said to belong to one Marvellous Adetarami, contained a white casket and fetish items allegedly used for initiation rituals. It was immediately sealed by the government.
Speaking after the operation, Noah reaffirmed the state’s stance against cultism.
“The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo is unwavering in its determination to rid Edo State of cult-related violence and criminal syndicates. These measures are not symbolic—they are a clear statement that clandestine activities will no longer find sanctuary here,” he said.
He added that investigations revealed cultists extorted money from victims during initiation, stressing that the police have been fully briefed and prosecutions are underway.
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Noah warned cultists to either renounce their membership or leave Edo State, declaring that government remains committed to securing peace, stability, and a safe environment for residents.
