afrol News, 26 February - More than 15 people have been killed between Monday and Tuesday during the rival cult clashes in Edo state Benin, a government statement has said. The clashes are said to be direct resultant of last week’s killings of a 100 female students in the University of Benin laboratory.

Local newspaper, Daily Sun reported on Wednesday that the State Security Service (SSS) and police launched a massive manhunt for the members of the cult groups destabilising the state.

The University officials have said the crisis may not be unconnected with the chieftaincy crisis that has been rocking the two communities since the deposition of the paramount ruler of Ugbo Kingdom by the Supreme Court in 2007, after he had reigned for about 25 years.

The crisis in Benin forced authorities of the ivory tower to embark on restriction of movement and holding of certain social activities in the institution, according to local news reports.

The Head, Information and Protocol, of the university, Mr Eddy Akpomera, said the purported clashes of cult groups had nothing to do with the university, as there were no cult clashes within the university but in the communities.

However, the Public Relations Officer, Edo State Police Command, Mr Peter Ogboi, while confirming the clashes, said only eight persons were killed. He explained that the clashes started at Ekosodin, adding that those involved in the clashes were really not students.

According to him, there was a rise of street cultism involving butchers, commercial motorcycle operators, as well as taxi and commercial bus drivers in the state capital, Benin.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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