By Akpos Oje
A young man, simply identified as Prosper, has reportedly died during a suspected cult initiation in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Sources said Prosper had expressed interest in joining the Aye confraternity and allegedly approached a relative, identified as Cosmos, believed to be a senior member of the group. Cosmos reportedly linked him up with other members of the confraternity but did not attend the initiation ceremony.
Trouble reportedly began during the rites when Prosper collapsed after undergoing what witnesses described as repeated physical drills. He was also said to have taken hard drugs beforehand, which may have worsened his condition. Cosmos later claimed he was informed that Prosper fainted mid-ritual and could not be revived.
Confirming the incident, the Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Moses Yamu, said the victim was rushed to a hospital in Jattu, where doctors pronounced him dead.
Yamu also disclosed that one suspect had been arrested in connection with the incident, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to tackling cult-related activities across the state.
