A young man identified as Prosper has tragically died during an alleged cult initiation exercise in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
According to eyewitness accounts, Prosper died on Sunday during a brutal "drilling" process while attempting to join the Aye Confraternity, a notorious cult group in the region.
Sources say the deceased had earlier expressed interest in joining the group and was introduced by a relative, Cosmos, who is believed to be a senior member of the confraternity. Cosmos allegedly linked Prosper with other cult members who proceeded to take him to an undisclosed initiation ground.
During the initiation rituals, Prosper reportedly collapsed after enduring repeated physical abuse. He was rushed to a hospital in Jattu, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the incident. In a statement issued Monday in Benin City, the command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, revealed that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the death.
“The deceased slumped during the initiation and was rushed to a hospital at Jattu, where he was confirmed dead. One suspect is currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing,” CSP Yamu said.
This incident adds to the growing list of cult-related tragedies in Edo State, where cultism remains a significant security concern despite ongoing law enforcement crackdowns.
