Alarming statistics of cult-related violence in Nigeria

The reports on the alarming statistics of cult-related violence in Nigeria, as presented by SBM Intelligence. Between January 2020 and March 2025, a total of 1,686 people have been killed in 909 such incidents.

The South-South and South-West regions have been hit the hardest, with Rivers, Lagos, and Edo states leading in the number of fatalities. The cult groups primarily involved in these clashes are Aiye, Eiye, Vikings, and Icelanders. The North experienced less cult violence, presumably due to the dominance of terrorist groups in the area. Edo, Ogun, and Delta states collectively account for more than half of the total deaths reported. Cult clashes are a persistent issue in Nigeria, often driven by territorial disputes, rivalries, and competition for resources and power within communities. These incidents not only result in loss of life but also contribute to the broader problem of insecurity and instability in the country.