Four civilians who witnessed a deadly cult clash in Benin City have themselves become victims of escalating violence, after one of them was reportedly killed and the remaining three forced into hiding over fears for their lives.

The victims; Mr. Emmanuel Johnson, Mr. Akhigbe Ben Aibuedafe, Miss Rachel Mathew, and Mr. Michael Yemi Samuel, were said to have witnessed a brutal confrontation between rival cult groups along Ohovbe Road, near Agbor Park in the Ikpoba Hill axis of the city.

Sources revealed that the four individuals later provided crucial information to security operatives to aid ongoing investigations into the cult-related killings. However, what appeared to be a civic act of cooperation soon turned into a life-threatening ordeal for all of them.

Shortly after their engagement with law enforcement, the witnesses allegedly began receiving threatening messages from suspected cult members, warning them to remain silent or face deadly consequences. The threats, according to findings, created panic among the group, who reportedly alerted the Edo State Police Command about their situation.

Tragically, the threats were carried out when Emmanuel Johnson was reportedly attacked and killed by suspected cultists, marking a deadly escalation and sending shockwaves through the community. His death has since heightened fears over the safety of the remaining witnesses.

On the same day of the incident, Mr. Akhigbe Ben Aibuedafe, a laundry and dry-cleaning worker, was reported missing after returning from the police station. His disappearance has further deepened concerns, with many fearing he may have been targeted or forced into hiding.

The two other witnesses, Rachel Mathew and Michael Yemi Samuel, have also reportedly gone into hiding after the killing, with their exact whereabouts unknown. Close associates say all three surviving witnesses are living in fear, constantly moving to avoid being tracked by those allegedly after them.

Residents and community members have described the situation as alarming, noting that the witnesses are now victims of the very violence they tried to help expose. Their plight has raised fresh concerns about the safety of civilians who cooperate with security agencies in tackling crime.

The development comes amid a surge in cult-related violence across Edo State. Authorities have recorded multiple deadly clashes in areas such as Upper Mission, Ugbor, and Ring Road, with security agencies intensifying operations to curb the menace.

Despite ongoing crackdowns and reported arrests of suspected cult members, the targeting of witnesses has underscored the dangerous reach of these groups, leaving many residents worried and calling for stronger protection for those who assist in criminal investigations.