Palpable fear have enveloped the sleepy Iruekpen Community in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo following the resurgence of Cult-related clash which left some persons sustaining serious injuries.
Residents have expressed deep concern over the incident and alleged 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.
But in a swift reaction, the member Representing the constituency at the National Assembly, Hon Marcus Onobun described the allegation as not only shocking but an attempt by those pushing the narrative to Politicise the incident.
In a statement Sunday evening the federal lawmaker said,, ” My attention has been drawn to some unfounded and malicious rumours being circulated across various quarters, both online and offline, alleging my involvement or association with cult-related activities in Iruekpen. I, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun, honorable member, representing Esan West, Esan Central and Igueben Federal constituency categorically and unequivocally refute claims of any such association or involvement.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I am not directly or indirectly involved in cultism nor have I ever supported, encouraged, financed, or participated in any activity that promotes it in any form whatsoever.
“These allegations are not only false and baseless and unfounded but they also appear to be politically motivated, attempts to tarnish my hard-earned reputation, distract from the developmental strides we are making, and undermine the trust and confidence the good people of Iruekpen and beyond have reposed in me.
“The last time I was in Edo state was in April 22nd, 2025. What I can deduce from this allegation is to lay a foundation for their wicked and clandestine plan to silence the opposition. I am a firm believer in the rule of law, democratic principles, and peaceful co-existence. Throughout my public service career, as erstwhile Speaker of the Edo state house of Assembly, I have championed initiatives aimed at empowering our youth through education, skills acquisition, mentorship, and community development initiatives that are fundamentally at odds with the menace of cultism and social vices.
He further added., “Let it be on record that from reliable sources, I am informed that the clash arose between two(2) indigenes of Iruekpen community at a brothel within the cattle market and not any where close to my residence.
The residents expressed fear that the development could lead to an increase in 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 emphasized that the law must be applied without bias whether to ordinary citizens or elected officials.
