Rivers: Police kill two suspected cultists

The Rivers State Police Command said its operatives have killed two of the suspected cultists who killed five natives of the Odiemerenyi community in Ahoada East Local Government Area on Sunday morning.

The command noted that the cultists are gang members of a wanted kingpin, David Gift, aka 2-Baba who allegedly butchered the Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada, SP Bako Angbanshin, in September 2023.

The Spokesperson for the command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday.

She said the feat followed credible intelligence on the suspects’ operations.

The statement read, “Operatives of Ahoada Police station received a distress call around 1am on Sunday , November 12, 2023, that some suspected cultists loyal to wanted David Gift aka 2Baba invaded Odiemerenyi community in search of suspected police informants.

“The police division, on receipt of the information, swung into action and mobilised with other tactical units to the scene.

“On getting to the community, the hoodlums who, unfortunately, had killed five natives before the arrival of the police opened fire on sighting the police.

“The hoodlums were, however, overpowered by the superior firepower of the police as two of the suspected cultists were fatally wounded.

“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the Ahoada Police Division and other tactical units to redouble efforts to ensure David Gift and other fleeing suspects are arrested.

“The CP calls on residents of the community and other communities in Ahoada East to go about their legitimate business as adequate security is in place to counter any security challenges that may be instigated by criminal elements.

“The CP also condoled with the families of natives who lost their lives in the attack.”