The Rivers State Police Command, on Sunday night, killed three alleged cultists in a shootout at the Udebu Community of Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State.
It was discovered that when the police closed in on the members of the Iceland and Greenland cult groups terrorising the Ahoada East and West LGAs, they had mobilised for a dominance fight.
Three people were killed when the operatives, who claimed to have been responding to a tip, arrived on the site at around five o’clock and opened fire on the criminals as soon as they fired at them.
According to a community source, the leader of one of the gangs, Ikechukwu Uturu, also known as “Old School” from Ahoada East, and other criminals managed to flee while still carrying gunshot wounds.
He stated,” After they opened fire on the men from the Ahoada Police Division, one of the cultists called Bright and two others were killed.
“But one hard man who is gang leader, Ikechukwu Uturu, aka Old School and two others escaped with injuries because the police shot them.”
The source who pleaded anonymity further said one locally fabricated G-3 rifle, a locally fabricated pistol that uses AK-47 ammunition, charms and other dangerous weapons were recovered from the miscreants.
It was gathered that pandemonium ensues during the gun battle which lasted for almost an hour, as many residents of the area fled into the bush, while others remained indoors till Monday morning.
When contacted, the spokesperson of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident.
Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police said, “Yes I can confirm that three cultists were killed.
“The cultists were engaging in a supremacy battle when we (police) received credible information and mobilized our men.
“Three of them were neutralized. An investigation is still on to apprehend other gang members and ensure that they face the law.”
