A young man, identified simply as Prosper, has died during an alleged cult initiation in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The incident reportedly took place over the weekend while the deceased was undergoing initiation into the Aye confraternity, a cult group believed to be active in the region.
Sources disclosed that Prosper had willingly shown interest in joining the group and allegedly approached a relative, one Cosmos, said to be a senior member of the confraternity.
Cosmos was said to have delegated other members to take the initiate to a designated location, although he did not personally participate in the process.
The initiation, however, turned tragic after Prosper reportedly lost consciousness during the physical drills associated with the rites. Cult members later informed Cosmos that Prosper had fainted, allegedly after consuming a hard drug prior to the ceremony.
Efforts to resuscitate him proved abortive, and he was rushed to a hospital in nearby Jattu community, where he was confirmed dead.
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the incident.
Spokesman of the Command, CSP Moses Yamu, told newsmen on Monday that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the case.
“The deceased slumped during the initiation process and was taken to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead,” Yamu said.
He added that investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death and to apprehend others involved.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns over the rising cases of cult-related violence and deaths across Edo State communities.
Authorities have promised to intensify efforts to tackle the menace and bring all culprits to justice.
