A recent upsurge in violent clashes and supremacy battles among rival cult groups has caused several fatalities in Edo state. Cult violence is increasingly taking various criminal, communal and political dimensions, involving artisans, petty traders, commercial bus drivers and motorcy-cle operators in the state. From sporadic clashes among members of rival cult groups in universities, cultism has evolved and infiltrated com-munities and the streets. According to data (see Map below), cult related violence resulted in over 100 fatalities in Edo state between 2018 and 2019. Recently, over 15 persons were reportedly killed in a series of rival cult clashes and reprisals at different locations in and around Benin City, the Edo state capital. In February 2020, for instance, about 10 persons were reportedly killed following a resurgence of rival cult clashes and supremacy battles between members of Aye and Eiye cult groups in the state. The recent escalation in cult clashes has caused anxiety among residents and threatening peace and stability in the state.
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