The Edo State Police have confirmed the murder of a journalist in the state.
Journalist Hillary Odia was shot dead on Christmas Eve by suspected cult members in a bar near a police station in Benin City, the state capital.
He was a staff member of Independent Radio and Television in Benin City.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there has been a rise in sectarian clashes and killings in Benin City, with the state police acknowledging the ugly trend in the state.
Chidi Nwabuzor, police spokesman in the state, said in a statement on Tuesday in Benin that police were struggling to control the situation.
A police officer involved in an anti-cult operation was shot dead on December 24 in Ugbowo axis of Benin City, said Nwabuzor, superintendent of police.
He said the loss of the operation underlined the determination of the police to combat cultism in Edo State.
“However, a considerable number of arrests of secret cult members of various cult groups have been made in different places in the state, who will soon be charged to court.
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“In view of the above, Mr. Mohammed Dankwara, Commissioner of Police, Edo State, appeals to the people of Edo State to remain calm and continue with the Christmas celebration.
“It reiterates the commitment of the command and the readiness of the officers and soldiers to ensure the safety of lives and property of the residents of Edo State this Christmas.
“He, however, requests the participation of citizens in providing information to the police, since modern and civilized policing involves citizenship and community policing,” the spokesperson said.
(YAYA)