HORROR! Blood Splashes Litter Edo Community As Heartless Gunmen Brutally Slaughter Journalist, Vigilante Commander, Others
In a shocking incident that unfolded on Christmas Eve in Benin metropolis, Edo state, Mr. Hilary Odia, a cinematographer, and presenter at Independent Television (ITV), was fatally shot by suspected cultists at his residence on Esigie Street. The assailants, believed to be affiliated with rival Eiye and Black Axe confraternity groups, also claimed the lives of a vigilante commander identified as Osasu on Iyobosa Street, along with two other individuals on Nekpennekpen and Uwa Streets.
The atmosphere in the affected area, specifically Second and Third East Circular Roads, was tense as residents marked a subdued Christmas amidst heightened security concerns. This wave of violence follows closely on the heels of another tragic incident a week prior when gunmen reportedly stormed a residence at Okiso quarters near Third East Circular, resulting in the killing of the mother of their intended target.
Sources indicate that the recent bloodshed stems from a reprisal fight between rival cult factions, escalating tensions within the community. While initial reports suggested multiple casualties, a police source clarified that only two individuals lost their lives, with another victim receiving medical attention for sustained injuries.
Edo State police command’ s spokesperson, SP Chidi Nwanbuzor, confirmed the incident but indicated that full details were yet to be ascertained. Against this backdrop, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, has strongly urged security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police, to expedite efforts in unraveling the circumstances surrounding Hilary Odia’ s murder.
