Auchi killings: 12 dead, 58 arrested as cult groups clash in Auchi [photos]

About 12 persons including a recently discharged National Youth Service Corps member, Irale Obas, have been murdered in a cult clash in Iyakpi, near Auchi, Edo State.

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Obas has been a graduate of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, and was caught in crossfire between warring member of Black axe and Eiye cult groups.

The war had begun when the brother of a cult leader was killed in a failed attempt to murder him due to their near resemblance. 

It had thrown the area into disarray as the retaliations began with several casualties in tow. 

A popular disc jockey, Sekiru Jeliu, who also a former student of the Federal polytechnic, Auchi was also killed about 24 hours before the incidents. 

The Commissioner of Police, Danmallam Mohammed, who confirmed the incident, said 58 persons have been arrested as a result of the clash and arms and ammunition recovered.

“Not less than 58 persons have been arrested and arms have also been recovered, but the Police are still on it.

“We are still investigating, but normalcy has returned to Iyakpi community where the incident happened.

“We want to assure all law-abiding people to go about their normal businesses, while the Police continue on the trail of the suspects,” he said.

The Public Relations Officer of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Mustapha Oshiobugie, said preliminary investigation showed that the affected students were not current students of the school.

“And the incident is in Iyakpi, a border community with Auchi, where our school is located.

“The school has been on vacation for the past one week, so we were shocked that reports are saying the clash was in Auchi and that it involved our students.”

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