Palpable fear has enveloped the sleepy Iruekpen Community in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo following the resurgence of cult-related clashes, which left some persons sustaining serious injuries.
Residents have expressed deep concern over the incident, alleging that members of the cult groups are regrouping at the residence of Hon. Marcus Onobun, a member of the House of Representatives.
The renewed cult activity has triggered alarm among community members, who accuse the federal lawmaker of being complicit in fostering insecurity.
However, in a swift reaction, the member representing the constituency at the National Assembly, Hon Marcus Onobun, described the allegation as shocking and an attempt by those pushing the narrative to politicise the incident.
He said, “I am shocked at this wicked allegation. I just contacted the person in charge of my Iruekpen home now, and I was told there was nothing of the sort or anybody regrouping in my house. I was told on the phone that the incident at ‘Ashawo Joint’ in Iruekpen involved two boys over land and that they had been arrested.
“The last time I was at Iruekpen was on the 22nd of April, 2025. So, for anybody to mention my house is the height of mischief. These people should focus on governance and find a way to address this barbaric act, and not to politicise it more, so that the matter that happened is not even around my house”.
The residents expressed fear that the development could increase criminal activity and endanger the lives of youths in the area.
Community leaders have issued a passionate plea to the Edo State Government and the Nigerian Police Force, urging them to intervene swiftly.
Speaking on behalf of concerned residents, a community leader stated, “No individual, regardless of political office or influence, should be allowed to promote violence or compromise the safety of our community.
The leaders further urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to invoke the full weight of the recently enacted anti-cultism legislation to address the matter. They emphasised that the law must be applied to ordinary citizens or elected officials without bias.
