By Simeon OSAJIE
Tragedy struck last Sunday as two persons were killed and several others wounded after suspected cultists invaded Ewatto Community in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
It was gathered that the rampaging cultists also attacked an Edo State Security Network base and security personnel in the community, leaving a trail of violence and destruction.
The Edo State Police Command, said the incident began at about 12:20pm when the Command received a distress call over an attack on an ESSN operative, Martins Enahoro, by suspected members of the Aro Bager Confraternity.
The attackers were said to include persons popularly known as Gbozia and Gezo, whose surnames were not immediately known.
It was gathered that trouble started after two neighbours in the community allegedly disagreed over road construction on a piece of land.
One of the neighbours was said to have allegedly invited members of his cult group, who subsequently attacked the other party, leading to the violent confrontation.
However, the police said preliminary investigation showed that Enahoro, while attempting to defend himself during the confrontation, stabbed one of the attackers, identified as Gbozia.
Enahoro subsequently sustained multiple cut injuries, and both men were rushed to God’s Will Hospital, Ewohimi, where they were confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
Their remains were deposited at the mortuary pending further investigation
“Preliminary investigation revealed that during the confrontation, the ESSN personnel Martins Enahoro, while attempting to defend himself, stabbed one of the attackers identified as Gbozia. Enahoro subsequently sustained multiple cut injuries and was later confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
“Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the incidents, two of which have confessed to belong to Vikings and Aiye confraternity cults”, ASP Ikoedem said.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.
ASP Ikoedem also said four suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident, adding that two of them had confessed to belonging to the Vikings and Aiye confraternities.
She said the suspects had been transferred to the Area Command Headquarters for further investigation, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
Following the incident, the police deployed Police Mobile Force, Squadron 82, as reinforcement to the area.
The Command warned that attacks on security personnel were criminal offences and would not be tolerated.
CP Daaor reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that anyone found culpable was made to face the law.