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
There was panic on Friday after human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, collapsed following a confrontation with the police during a Democracy Day protest at the Unity Fountain in Abuja.
Reports said that Sowore collapsed after police operatives moved to disperse protesters gathered to demonstrate against insecurity, economic hardship and bad governance.
The demonstrators were dispersed after security personnel fired teargas canisters at the protesters in an apparent attempt to break up the gathering.
Following the incident, Sowore has reportedly been taken to an undisclosed hospital for further examination and treatment.
The FCT Police Command has successfully rescued five kidnapped victims following an intensive joint rescue operation conducted in the Byazhin area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Acting on recent kidnapping incidents within Paze community in Byazhin area, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, PhD, FCAI, personally led a clearance operation with a team comprising operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the NPF Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and Kubwa Area Command, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups.
On 9th June, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the joint security team launched an intensive search, clearance, and rescue operation across Paze and Byazhin communities. During the operation, the team engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel, resulting in the neutralization of two suspects and the arrest of two others identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman, while other gang members fled into nearby hills with varying degrees of bullet wounds. During the operation, the police team also recovered two AK-47 rifles with magazines. The Command therefore calls on healthcare practitioners, private and public hospitals, and members of the public to promptly report any individual presenting gunshot related injuries or seeking treatment under suspicious circumstances.
The sustained pressure mounted on the criminal elements forced them to abandon five hostages, who were promptly rescued unharmed.
The rescued victims have since been taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families. Meanwhile, search operations continue across the general area and adjoining communities aimed at apprehending the fleeing suspects and dismantling the criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police commended the bravery, resilience, and professionalism displayed by the operatives and supporting local security volunteers during the operation. He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the Federal Capital Territory.
Members of the public are encouraged to remain security conscious and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913, 07057337653.
Ecobank Nigeria has concluded all preparations for the fifth edition of the highly anticipated Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience, reaffirming its readiness to host local and international brands, partners, customers and visitors at the four-day fair scheduled to hold from June 11 to 14, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Bank has put in place all necessary arrangements to ensure a seamless, secure and memorable experience for exhibitors and attendees, further underscoring its commitment to promoting African creativity, entrepreneurship and intra-African trade.
Among the international exhibitors confirmed for this year’s edition are Creative Hub Africa and Shades of Class from Sierra Leone, Drame Khadidatou from Senegal, Tampoori from Ghana, and Naylah Collection from the Republic of Benin. Their participation highlights the growing continental appeal of the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience as a platform for cultural exchange, business collaboration and market access across Africa.
The event will also feature more than 100 exhibitors and vendors, including leading Nigerian brands such as Obida Design Associates, This Is Us, Imani Kids, Ashabi Fads, E25Dresses, Miné by Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Buss Fabrics Store, Aina Aladire and many others, showcasing the richness of African craftsmanship, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking on the Bank’s preparedness for the event, Head of SMEs, Partnerships and Collaborations at Ecobank Nigeria, Omoboye Odu, said all arrangements have been successfully concluded to deliver a rewarding experience for exhibitors, partners, customers and visitors throughout the four-day fair.
According to her, attendees can look forward to a vibrant showcase of fashion, craftsmanship, art, music, culture and entrepreneurship, with participants drawn from Nigeria and several other African countries.
“We are fully prepared and excited to welcome guests from across Nigeria and the African continent to another edition of the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience. From exhibition spaces and cultural showcases to networking opportunities and customer engagement activities, every necessary arrangement has been put in place to ensure a seamless and rewarding experience for all attendees,” Odu said.
She added: “The Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience continues to evolve as a unique platform that connects creatives, entrepreneurs and consumers from across Africa. Attendees can look forward to exceptional products, interactive sessions, entertainment, cultural exhibitions and valuable opportunities to build relationships, explore new markets and expand their businesses.”
Over the years, the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience has grown into one of Nigeria’s foremost platforms for promoting indigenous textile production, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and showcasing the ingenuity of African creatives. The event has also played a significant role in expanding market access for businesses while preserving and celebrating Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
Beyond the exhibition, participants will have opportunities to network, explore business partnerships, discover unique products and experience the diversity and vibrancy of African culture. The event is open to the public, and visitors can look forward to an immersive experience that seamlessly blends tradition, innovation, fashion, enterprise and entertainment in a grand celebration of Africa’s creative economy.
