Cultists Kill Police Officer, Vigilante in Fresh Rivers Attack

Panic gripped Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State on Monday night after gunmen launched a deadly attack on a local vigilante base near the council secretariat.

Reports confirmed that sustained gunfire rocked the area, prompting fear and confusion among residents. The assault came shortly after reports surfaced alleging the council’s sole administrator had been forced by youths to sign a resignation letter — a claim he has denied.

Confirming the incident, the Rivers State Police Command labeled the event a “brutal attack” carried out by suspected cultists. The attackers, identified as Umegbewe Kingsley (a.k.a. ‘Gutam’) and one “Opaka” (surname unknown), are said to be key figures in the infamous Iceland cult group.

The cultists reportedly stormed the office of the local security outfit known as OSPAC, which is situated close to the council secretariat, and opened fire. An OSPAC member, Ngozi Ipah, was gunned down in the process, alongside Corporal Francis Friday, a police officer attached to the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) on duty at the council premises.

A statement issued by the police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, revealed that while police patrol teams responded promptly to the scene, the attackers had already escaped. Both victims were rushed to the Ahoada General Hospital with severe gunshot wounds but were pronounced dead on arrival. Their remains have been deposited in the morgue for autopsy.

The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, has since visited the location and deployed tactical units to pursue the attackers. He ordered intensified manhunt operations by the Area Commander and Divisional Police Officer.

The CP assured the public that those responsible would be apprehended and prosecuted. He also appealed to residents to remain calm and support security efforts by reporting any suspicious activities or persons to the nearest police station.