In a chilling account of violence and survival, Marcellus Oshiokpekhai Ekhayeme, a 35-year-old Nigerian father, has revealed his escape from the clutches of a deadly cult and the tragic loss of his five-year-old son.
Ekhayeme, a graduate of the Federal Polytechnic Auchi in Edo State, shared that he was tricked into joining the Supreme Vikings Confraternity—a violent cult also known as Norsemen—under the false promise of employment. Struggling to provide for his wife and two children, he was introduced to the group by a friend in October 2023, who made joining a “society” a condition for securing a job.
Unaware of the true nature of the organization, Ekhayeme reluctantly agreed. Weeks later, the cult became embroiled in a violent feud with the rival Black Axe group. When Ekhayeme refused to partake in an attack, citing his Christian faith, he became a target.
On Christmas Eve, 2023, the Supreme Vikings ambushed Ekhayeme and his family as they returned from church. The brutal attack resulted in the tragic death of his young son.
Fearing for their lives, Ekhayeme confessed his ordeal to his wife and sought refuge with the local Rev. Father of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Afashio Uzairue.
The priest helped him renounce his membership and secured temporary shelter for the family.
However, continued threats from the cult forced the priest to relocate them.
Ekhayeme’s daughter remains in Nigeria under the priest’s care, while he and his wife seek permanent safety.
“Protection is what we seek,” Ekhayeme said, expressing deep gratitude to the church for saving his family.
This harrowing case underscores the pervasive dangers of cult violence in Nigeria and the plight of those who become ensnared in its deadly web.