A young man known as Prosper has died during a cult initiation ceremony in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The incident, which happened over the weekend, has thrown the area into shock.
Prosper was said to have shown interest in joining the Aye confraternity and reached out to a family member named Cosmos, who is believed to be a senior member of the group.
Sources said Cosmos linked him with other members who took him to the initiation venue, but did not attend the ceremony himself.
Trouble started during the process when Prosper reportedly collapsed after being drilled several times by other cult members. He was rushed to a hospital in Jattu, where doctors confirmed him dead.
Cosmos claimed he was later informed that Prosper may have fainted because of a hard drug he allegedly took before the exercise began.
Confirming the incident, Edo State Police Command spokesperson, Moses Yamu, told newsmen in Benin City that a suspect has already been arrested.
“The victim slumped during the initiation and was taken to a hospital where he was confirmed dead,” Yamu said.
He added that police are still investigating the case.
