The Edo State Special Taskforce on Anti-Cultism announced on Wednesday that some suspects had been apprehended in a renewed violent conflict between members of the Eiye and Vikings confraternities in the state.

Chris Nehikhare, the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, said this on Wednesday during a news conference in Benin City.

Nehikhare, who is also a member of the taskforce, cautioned that there is no room for cultists or cult-related activities in the state.

The Taskforce also warned cult organisations against damaging the state’s calm and recommended them to consider leaving the state or being captured.

while denouncing the murders committed in several sections of the state by alleged cultists.

He also mentioned that some arrests had already been made and that an investigation was underway into the recent disruption caused by suspected cultists in Benin City on Sunday, October 27, 2024.

He also stated that efforts are being made to capture fugitive suspects and other important players.

He stated: “The recent disturbance in Benin City by suspected cultists on Sunday, October 27, 2024, prompted concern from the Edo State Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism.

“A number of arrests were made as part of the investigation into the violent confrontations between competing cult groups in Benin City, and attempts are still underway to capture more important players and evading suspects.

The state’s vibrant indigenous population was lost as a result of the cult violence.

“Preliminary investigations indicates that the violence involved members of the Eiye and Vikings confraternities, reportedly battling for supremacy within the impacted area.

“Upon receiving intelligence about this situation, the Edo State Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism immediately intensified patrols and launched a manhunt for the key leaders of the identified groups.

“The swift and coordinated response of the task force successfully contained the violence, preventing further bloodshed and averting potential escalation.

“Patrol operations have also been reinforced in identified hotspots to forestall any resurgence of violence,” he said.

The commissioner, who assured the public and Edo residents of the safety of their lives and property, vowed that there would be no rest until every identified leader and members involved in the dastardly acts are arrested and brought to justice.