At least 1,686 people have died in cult-related violence across Nigeria between January 2020 and March 2025, with the South-South and South-West regions recording the highest number of fatalities. This is according to a new report released by SBM Intelligence on Tuesday.
Rivers State emerged as the deadliest state with 215 reported deaths, followed by Lagos with 197 and Edo with 192. The report linked the violence to long-standing rivalries among cult groups such as the Vikings, Icelanders, Eiye, Aiye, Black Axe, and Greenlanders.
The South-South region accounted for more than 750 deaths, driven largely by cult wars in Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa. In the South-West, over 491 people were killed in states like Lagos and Ogun, where clashes between Aiye and Eiye confraternities remain frequent. The South-East also saw significant violence, with Anambra State alone recording more than 215 fatalities, often tied to growing cult influence and separatist-related unrest.
The North-Central zone, particularly Benue State, recorded 204 deaths linked to cult groups like Scavengers and Chain, often operating alongside communal conflicts. Meanwhile, the North-East and North-West regions experienced minimal cult-related activity, with fewer than 30 fatalities combined. The report attributes this to the dominance of insurgent and terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and armed bandits, whose activities overshadow traditional gang operations.
According to the findings, 2021 recorded the highest death toll with 377 deaths from 173 incidents. This peak was attributed to post-pandemic economic hardship and political instability. The number dropped in 2022 to 228 deaths from 97 incidents, possibly due to temporary gang truces or intensified government crackdowns. However, 2024 saw a surge in gang clashes, with 273 incidents recorded the highest within the five-year period although with fewer deaths per incident.
The report also noted that the rise of social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter has changed the way cult-related violence is reported, with more cases being documented outside of official police channels. It also pointed out that economic hardship continues to drive young Nigerians into gang activity.
Edo, Ogun, and Delta states were named as the most volatile, accounting for over half of all incidents and fatalities nationwide. In December 2023 alone, over 30 people were reportedly killed during a violent confrontation between the Black Axe and Eiye cults in Edo State.
Anambra recorded 128 deaths within the period under review, while Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa recorded 89 and 69 deaths respectively. Osun and Kwara States also saw unexpected spikes, with 55 and 58 deaths respectively, which the report linked to the spread of cult activity from neighbouring states.
States such as Borno, Sokoto, Kebbi, Yobe, and Zamfara reported either zero or minimal cult-related fatalities. The report explained that these areas remain preoccupied with insurgency and banditry, which limits the operations of traditional cult groups.
Despite ongoing security operations, the report warns that cult violence remains a persistent threat, particularly in southern Nigeria. Early data from the first quarter of 2025 suggests the country may be on track to surpass previous years in cult-related incidents if current trends continue.
