Edo State is currently witnessing a rise in insecurity and cultism-related killings.
Multiple media reports indicates that the situation is linked to the increase in arms and ammunition in the state and the release of inmates, during the prison break recorded amid the #EndSARS protest in the state.
Equally important, the sudden increase in illegal arms and ammunition in Edo State, security watchers believe; is ultimately a result of the looting of a number of police stations in Edo State during the protest. Â The development has now seen a significant number of deadly weapons in the hands of the fleeing inmates; many of whom are said to have been incarcerated due to cult-related activities.
Consequently, the volatile situation has degenerated into a cult war; with rival gangs battling each other for supremacy.
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Meanwhile, feelers from the state indicate that the death toll from the ongoing cult war has risen to 28. One of the latest casualties is an Assistant Commissioner of Police who was reportedly caught in the gunfire. 1st News  had earlier reported that the cop was shot during the exchange of gunfire between the rival cult groups.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police reportedly died on Saturday. He gave up the ghost at the intensive care unit of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Two other Police Inspectors, who were shot along with the Assistant Commissioner of Police, are said to be currently fighting for their lives.
Also numbered among the casualties in the cult war are a number of innocent residents
In addition, investigations reveal that a number of policemen in Edo State are now the target of the cultists.
Feelers indicate that policemen who were involved in the arrest and incarceration of some of the escaped cultists are now receiving death threats.
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