Aftermath of cult killings: cabman goes missing after murder of “school boy” in Benin

Barely a week after the gruesome murder of Eghe, popularly known as schoolboy, by suspected cultists in Okhun community in Oluku axis of Edo State, the family of Matthew Imaraiyiosa, a popular Cabman and cousin of the murdered schoolboy has expressed great concerns over his safety and whereabouts following his sudden disappearance on July 16th.

It will be recalled that Matthew Imaraiyiosa, according to family sources, had narrowly escaped death on the fateful day as he was contacted by schoolboy before his brutal killing by rival cult group.

Schoolboy, a member of the Marphite confraternity, according to media reports, was brutally gunned down in Okhun community in Oluku axis in Edo State in a renewed cult rivalry that also claimed two other victims between the Black Axe confraternity and Marphite confraternity

The family source identified as Elder Uyiosa said his brother, Matthew Imaraiyiosa the cabman on July 10th 2023 was called upon by his cousin schoolboy who wanted to have a ride in his cab to an undisclosed location.

It was said that no sooner had the Cabman arrived at the scene of the gruesome shooting where schoolboy was waiting, suspected rival cultists came in a black Toyota Camry car instantly killing their victim(schoolboy) while others including the Cabman scampered for safety.

Speaking further, the family source said the life of the Cabman following the gruesome killing of his cousin on July 10th had been under severe threats as it was understood that until his sudden disappearance on July 16th, Matthew Imaraiyiosa was always death threats calls and messages from faceless individuals.

Citing an instance which occurred at his brother’s residence in Ogbeta Avenue in Evbuagbogun community in Edo State, the family said Matthew Imaraiyiosa had to use an exit door in his house to escape when some strange-looking faces who were accosted by neigbhours came looking for him.

It was however gathered that, the gruesome murder of schoolboy on July 10th greatly exposed the Cabman to severe danger as he was perceived by his cousin’s killers as a great threat and one who might expose their real identities.

Meanwhile, it was understood that frantic efforts to locate his whereabouts have led to the setting up of a search party to comb every nooks and crannies of the metropolis in search of the missing Cabman but to no avail as the incident of his sudden disappearance was however reported at the police station.