From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Two men were reportedly killed in separate gun attacks in Benin City on Wednesday.
The killings which a source attributed to clash of suspected rival cult groups, has created fear in the minds of residents of the Edo State capital.
Multiple sources claimed that about six people were reportedly killed during the clashes, forcing shop owners to close business early yesterday.
“We heard cultists were killing each other. Six people are said to have died and that is why we are closing early to avoid being caught in any crossfire”, one of the sources said.
But the Edo State Police Command has however denied the killing of six people in cult-related clashes, confirming that only two people were reportedly killed on Wednesday.
“I do not know about eight people getting killed and it is not good for members of the public. What I know is that on Wednesday one man at Ugbowo axis was attacked and killed which I promptly asked the control room to do something about it. And the DPO in that area swiftly moved to the crime scene to evacuate the body.
“Also in the afternoon of same day, we got information that a Public Work Volunteer (PUWOV) official while discharging his duties was killed by some suspects who came in a vehicle and opened fire on him.
“These are the two killings I am aware of. I am not aware of the killing of eight people”, spokesman of the Command, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, said.