There was pandemonium in Ekoshodi community, near Benin City, Edo State, as hoodlums suspected to be cultists reportedly killed the vigilante commander in the area.

It was gathered that the late vigilante commander identified as Osagie, was shot at a Keke Napep park along the Benin-Ore expressway in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area of the state.

It was further learnt that Osagie’s death created tension in the area as the security network and elders in the community banned the crossover night service for December 31, 2023.

In a 1:44 seconds viral video seen by Daily Trust, a man in handcuffs suspected to be killer of the vigilante commander was seen entering into the back of Toyota hilux van led by the police.

In the video, a man believed to be a member of the vigilante was heard saying, “You killed commander, you have the gut to kill commander. This man is not supposed to live, if I see this man on the street again I will drop my cap.”

Meanwhile, Osagie’s murder came one week after Ogiso community vigilante commander in Oredo Local Government Area was killed in a similar circumstance on Christmas Eve by hoodlums suspected to be members of a cult group.

A source said the cult group may be targeting vigilantes commanders for allegedly hindering their operations in the renewed cult clashes.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Chidi Nwabuzor, who confirmed the incident did not speak on the arrest.

He said according to the wife of the victim, he was trailed to his compound in a black vehicle and was shot on the head by his assailants.

He declined comment on the arrest, saying he would not want to jeopardize police investigation.

Recall that renewed cult war started on December 16, 2023 after suspected cultists stormed the Ogiso residence of their rival and killed his mother when they couldn’t find him.

The development was said to have led to reprisals on Christmas Eve leading to the death of four persons across Benin city. (Daily Trust)