This weekly update spotlights gang violence in the Niger Delta with a focus on cult and gang related killings in Edo State. According to data (see map above), over 140 cult and gang related fatalities were reported in Edo State between January 2020 and April 2023. Recent data shows a resurgence of cult and gang related killings in the State, after a few months of relative decline. Over the last three months, more than 8 persons have been killed in a series of clashes between rival cult gangs in the State. In April 2023, for instance, a male student of the University of Benin was reportedly killed by a rival cult gang in a hostel in Ugbowo community, Egor LGA. In July, four persons were reportedly killed in a series of clashes between the Black Axe and the Supreme Vikings cult gangs at different locations in Auchi community, Etsako West LGA. Separately, in July, a middle-aged man was allegedly killed by a cult gang in front of a church in Amagba community, Oredo LGA. Recently, on July 10, 2021, three persons were reportedly killed in a series of clashes between rival cult gangs at different locations in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
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