FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Recent order by Governor Godwin Obaseki to the Edo Special Taskforce on Anti-Cultism and Edo State Security Network to flush out cultists has started yielding results.
The Department of State Services, DSS, had arraigned 22 suspected cultists at the State High Court. It also obtained an ex-parte order to detain the suspects until they complete their investigation.
Counsel to the DSS told the court that the department needs more time to complete its investigation.
The 22 suspected cultists, who are between the ages of 22 and 25, were brought in an unmarked bus.
Justice A. Erhabor gave the DSS two weeks which will end on December 2.
The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, who is a member of the state Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism, said there is no breathing space for cultists and cult-related activities in Edo State.
Nehikhare expressed worry over the recent disturbance by suspected cultists, saying the violent clash between rival cult groups in Benin City is being investigated with a series of arrests made and efforts ongoing to apprehend other key actors and fleeing suspects.
He maintained that the cult violence resulted in the loss of indigenes.
According to him, preliminary investigations indicate that the violence involved members of Eiye and Vikings confraternities reportedly battling for supremacy within the impacted area.
