Metro
Cult Clashes in Kwara, Edo, Delta Claim Six Lives
Six persons have been reportedly killed by suspected cultists in Ilorin, Kwara State; Benin, Edo State; and Abraka, Delta State, between Sunday and Monday.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the cult clashes in Ilorin were the aftermath of Sunday’s alleged attack on #EndSARS protesters in Ilorin.
It was gathered that the head of one of the deceased was severed and deposited on the General Post Office flyover bridge in the metropolis, while the second victim was killed at Sabo-Oke area of the town around 12.05pm on Monday.
The beheaded victim was identified as Yusuf, aka Lucifer, and was said to have been involved in Sunday’s attack on the protesters, while the second person, said to be in his early 20s and popularly known as Khalipha, was a resident of the Sabo-Oke area of Ilorin.
It was gathered that members of rival cults met during the #EndSARS protest and renewed their rivalry, despite being cautioned by the protesters not to disrupt their campaign.
Khalipha was allegedly mauled down around 12.05pm on Monday around Maraba/Alalubosa area of Ilorin.
A trader at the Maraba Market stated, “We started hearing gunshots around 12.05pm in Maraba and we all hurriedly closed our shops and fled.
“A few minutes later, we saw some group of boys wielding cutlasses, guns and other weapons leaving Maraba through the Pategi section of the garage and afterwards, we saw the lifeless body of a middle-aged boy with severe cutlass cuts on his head and body.
“The assailants left walking majestically through Maraba Road and towards the Murtala area of the metropolis unchallenged.”
As of the time of filing this report, the victim’s corpse was still lying in a pool of his own blood.
Speaking on the development, the state police command spokesperson, Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the death of only one person and added that the command had commenced investigation into the incident.
Okasanmi also said the police had notified the Commissioner for Health about the evacuation of the corpse from the Post Office area.
He stated, “We got information this morning (Monday) that the head of one Yusuf, aka Lucifer, was on top of the post office flyover bridge and the deceased was confirmed by neighbours as a cultist.
“It was also alleged that he was killed by suspected cultists. The police are not aware of the death of any other person as regards the protest.”
In Benin, another round of violence broke out on Monday between members of the Eiye and Aye confraternities, leading to the death of one person on the Medical Stores Road, off the New Lagos Road.
A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the groups had a free-for-all.
According to him, the fight led to the killing of one of the members of the groups, whose body was abandoned on the road for hours, while the #EndSARS protest lasted.
“At the moment, all those cult boys, who fired and danced round the streets in anger over the killing of one of their members by a rival group, have left the road following government-imposed curfew,” the source stated.
What caused the fight among the two cults could not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report as the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor, could not be reached.
Similarly, three persons, believed to be students of the Delta State University, were reportedly killed as rival cults clashed in the university community of Abraka in the Ethiope-East Local Government Area of the state.
PUNCH Metro gathered that members of the rival groups, who armed themselves with guns, cutlasses and axes used the weapons freely in the bloody clash on Sunday.
It was learnt that several persons sustained varying degrees of injury during the clash.
A community source told our correspondent on condition of anonymity that the clash was between the Eiye and Black Axe confraternities.
He said, “It was a battle for dominance as usual. It is unfortunate that in the 21st century, youths are still engaging in this act instead of venturing into gainful businesses that will improve their socio-economic well-being.
“In the process, three people died and over eight persons were injured. Residents are living in fear as they don’t know what will happen after.”
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, promised to get back to our correspondent with the details of the incident, but she had yet to do so as of the time of filling this report.
“I will get back to you when I get the details of the incident,” she stated.
But a police source in Abraka confirmed the incident, adding that the police were already on the ground to maintain peace and order in the community.
The Punch
By Eric Elezuo
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police have debunked reported assassination attempt on the life of Naval Lt MA Yerima, the soldier, who stood to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, over a disputed land.
In a statement by the FCT Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the command insisted that no such incident happened or was reported anywhere around Abuja, asking residents to ignore the reports as fake.
The statement further advised the public to ‘disregard the false information, and desist from spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic’.
Recall that it was reported on Sunday night that Lt. Yerima escaped assassination after black hilux trucks trailed him. This reported escaped is coming on the heels of a heated altercation the Naval officer had with Wike over a parcel of land said to belong to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
The Presidency has since welded into the matter, ordering a stay on the demolition plans.
The statement in full:
The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to publications circulating on social media alleging an attempted assassination on Lt. Ahmed Yerima. The Command wishes to categorically state that no such incident has been reported or recorded anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory. The public is advised to disregard this false information and desist from spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic.
For the safety of all residents, the Command urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest Police Division. You may also reach the Command Headquarters through our emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08068587311 for prompt response.
Nigerians were last night divided over the report that Navy Lieutenant Ahmad M. Yerima narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja, with many now questioning whether the incident happened exactly as described.
Initial reports from multiple news platforms claimed Yerima was trailed by two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates, prompting a high-speed chase and a “tactical manoeuvre” that allegedly saved his life.
The report quoted military sources who said the vehicles allegedly followed him from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way at about 6:30p.m.
The source added that the matter is under investigation and is receiving “the seriousness it deserves,” noting that further details are being withheld so as not to compromise the process.
The development comes days after Yerima, while on duty with other security personnel, engaged in a tense confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over a disputed land site in Gaduwa District. The clash, captured on viral videos, sparked widespread public debate and prompted intervention from the Presidency, which subsequently halted the demolition exercise at the site.
But as the story spreads, so do doubts. Critics argue that the details remain vague and rely heavily on Yerima’s personal account, with no confirmed CCTV footage, eyewitness statements, or official security briefings to back the claims. Some security analysts say the descriptions sound “too cinematic,” raising the possibility of misinterpretation or exaggeration.
Adding to the skepticism is the timing of the report, coming just days after Yerima’s viral confrontation with Wike over a halted demolition exercise. While social media users have tried to link both events, officials insist there is no evidence connecting Wike or any political figure to the alleged chase.
Already, military veterans nationwide have criticised Wike for verbally insulting the officer and rejected calls for disciplinary action against Yerima. Spokesman for the Coalition of Retired Veterans, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, warned that ex-service members would “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” if the officer faced any punishment.
Many others want clarity: Was the officer truly targeted, or is this a case of panic amplified by public emotion and online speculation? Investigators are yet to provide answers.
Adron Homes set the stage for a remarkable sporting experience by hosting the Adron Cup Golf Tournament, bringing together golf enthusiasts, industry professionals, and distinguished guests for a day dedicated to excellence, competition, and camaraderie.
The tournament was officially declared open by the Chairman of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, who earlier this year received the first-ever Nigeria’s Noble Golfer Award, reflecting his growing influence and passion for the game of golf. In a moment that drew applause across the course, he performed the ceremonial tee-off, symbolically setting the tournament in motion.
Following the opening, the Chairman embarked on a tour of the golf course, delighting participants and spectators alike. He played several holes, showing his enthusiasm for the game, while also taking time to engage, encourage, and cheer on the competing golfers.
Players described the experience as inspiring, noting that the Chairman’s presence elevated the spirit of the competition and reinforced the values of sportsmanship and unity that the tournament represents.
As the tournament concluded, Mr. Sunday Aderibigbe, representing the Chairman of Adron Homes, officiated the presentation of awards and the official unveiling ceremony. His presence added prestige to the event and affirmed the company’s continued commitment to celebrating excellence within the golfing community.
The inaugural Adron Cup Golf Tournament marks the beginning of what promises to be a premier sporting event in the region, reflecting Adron Group’s commitment not only to excellence in real estate but also to promoting recreation, community engagement, and healthy living through sport.
The event concluded with commendations for the organizers and enthusiastic feedback from participants, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
