The Nigeria Police in Rivers State has reported the killing of two suspected cultists involved in the invasion and murder of five residents in Odiemerenyi community, Ahoada East Local Government Area, on Sunday morning.
According to the police, these cultists were members of the gang led by the wanted kingpin, David Gift, also known as 2-Baba, who was responsible for the capture and killing of Ahoada’s Divisional Police Officer, SP Bako Angbanshin, in September.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the state Police Command, revealed this development in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday and shared with the press. She explained that the successful operation followed credible intelligence indicating that the culprits were targeting police informants, prompting immediate action by the operative.
Superintendent of Police Iringe-Koko reiterated the command’s dedication to apprehending the elusive leader of the Iceland cult gang, 2-Baba, along with other suspected cultists who are on the run, ensuring their capture and delivery to the justice system.
The statement reads, “Operatives of the Ahoada Police Station received a distress call at about 01:00hours on Sunday morning, November 12, 2023, that some suspected cultists loyal to the 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 called 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 challenge that may be instigated by criminal elements.”
“The CP equally condoled with the family of the natives who lost their lives in the attack.”