Amid rising insecurity concerns, the Edo State Government has pledged to sustain a strong crackdown on cult groups and internet fraudsters.
The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, stated this on Tuesday in Benin while reacting to recent security issues, including the killing of a part-time University of Benin (UNIBEN) student, Alexander, who was shot dead on May 10 near the main campus gate along the Benin-Lagos Road, Ugbowo, shortly after sitting for his examination.
Following the incident, Governor Monday Okpebholo had vowed that his administration would ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. Afegbua said the government’s ongoing offensive against cultism is increasingly exposing links between cult groups and internet fraud activities in the state.
He alleged that the deceased student was killed over a dispute involving money shared within a group, claiming the attackers traced him to the university after disagreements over the funds. He condemned the killing as senseless, questioning the outcome of the attack and whether any of the alleged perpetrators benefited from it.
Afegbua reaffirmed that the state government would maintain its zero-tolerance stance on cultism and intensify efforts to curb internet fraud, warning that cult-related violence often escalates into deadly clashes.
