A suspected initiation ritual into the Black Axe Confraternity turned fatal in Edo State, leaving one man dead and another in police custody.
The incident occurred on 2nd August 2025 in Warrake Forest, Auchi, where three individuals from Afeokpella community had gathered for the clandestine ceremony.
According to the Edo State Police Command, Prosper Ezekiel, 25, collapsed during the ritual and was pronounced dead at a medical facility in Jattu.
His alleged accomplice, Cosmos Sado, 32, was arrested shortly afterward, while a third suspect, Redeem Afeabor, remains at large.
Police recovered four expended cartridges from the scene, suggesting the use of firearms during the ill fated event.
โThis was a reckless and avoidable tragedy,โ said Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika, condemning the persistence of cult-related violence in the region. โWe are determined to dismantle these unlawful groups and prosecute every individual involved.โ
The police have urged communities to remain vigilant, with spokesperson CSP Moses Joel Yamu stating, โParents, traditional leaders, and faith organisations must work with us to discourage youths from these deadly associations.โ Authorities have appealed for public cooperation, providing emergency contact numbers for anonymous tips.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns over cult activities in Edo State, where secret societies have been linked to rising criminality. Investigators say they are pursuing โall credible leadsโ to apprehend the fleeing suspect and disrupt further initiation plans.
As the probe continues, Ezekielโs body has been deposited at a morgue for autopsy, while Ado is expected to face charges related to unlawful assembly and suspected cultism.
The police have warned that similar operations will attract โmaximum enforcement,โ reiterating their stance that โno tolerance will be shown to those who endanger lives under the guise of cultism.โ
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