Death toll in Edo cult clash rises to 12

The death toll in recent cult clashes in Benin has risen to 12, following reprisal attacks by suspected rival cult groups in the Edo State capital.

This came nearly a week after ‎similar attacks claimed the lives of at least seven persons in some parts of Benin.
In the latest attack which occurred on Thursday, three youths were said to have been killed at New Benin while the other two deaths were said to have occurred at Upper Sakponba in the state capital.

It was learnt that those allegedly behind the New Benin attack brandished their weapons after committing the act.
Our correspondent gathered that among the victims of the December 19 incident were a popular car wash operator and another man identified as Jude.
Similar incidents were also reported on Erediauwa Street, Off Upper Sokponba road and Okhoro, where two persons lost their lives.
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‎Confirming the incidents, Edo State Commissioner of Police, Foluso Adebanjo, told our correspondent on telephone that no fewer than five persons had been arrested by the command in connection with attacks.

“We have made several arrests. We cannot disclose the number. But we have made arrests; not two; not three; not‎ four,” he said.