Edo State, notorious for cultism and related violence, has recorded yet another tragic incident. One person, identified simply as Prosper, reportedly died during a cult initiation in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.
According to a source who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria, the incident occurred on Sunday during repeated “drilling” a term used to describe brutal initiation rituals.
Prosper had allegedly expressed interest in joining the Aye confraternity.
He approached a relative named Cosmos, who is said to be a senior member of the group.
Cosmos then connected him with other members to take him to the initiation venue, as he would not be attending himself.
However, things took a fatal turn during the process. Prosper reportedly collapsed after the repeated physical drills and was rushed to a hospital in Jattu, where he was pronounced dead.
Confirming the incident on Monday, the Edo State Police spokesperson, Moses Yamu, stated that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the death.
“The deceased slumped during the initiation and was rushed to a hospital at Jattu, where he was confirmed dead.
The suspect is in police custody while an investigation into the matter is ongoing,” said Yamu, a Chief Superintendent of Police.
Edo has long struggled with cult-related violence.
In November last year, the police described the surge in cult activities and illegal arms in the state as alarming.
In June of the previous year, then-Governor Godwin Obaseki banned the activities of Okaigheles (youth leaders) in Edo South Senatorial District as part of a broader effort to curb cultism.
He revealed that the state had lost at least 150 lives within five months due to cult clashes.
His successor, Governor Monday Okpebholo, echoed similar concerns in November. He disclosed that Edo State loses over $1 billion in potential investments every year due to cult-related violence.
Although both administrations have declared war on cultism, the efforts appear to have yielded minimal results as killings continue unabated.
