Suspected cultists kill police officer, vigilante in Rivers

Suspected cultists have killed a police officer and a vigilante member during an attack on the office of Onelga security peace advisory committee (OSPAC) in Ahoada east of Rivers state.

Armed assailants invaded the OSPAC office on Monday evening and opened fire on vigilantes.

A statement by Grace Iringe-Koko, Rivers police spokesperson, said the assailants were led by two men — Umegbewe Kingsley and Opaka — suspected leaders of Iceland cult group.

Iringe-Koko said the assailants shot Ngozi Ipah, an operative of OSPAC, during the attack but while escaping, they shot Francis Friday, a corporal who was on special duty at the secretariat with the special intervention squad (SIS).

“Both victims were rushed to the Ahoada General Hospital with multiple gunshot wounds but were pronounced dead on arrival,” the Rivers police spokesperson said.

“Their bodies have been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy.”

Iringe-Koko said the assailants had fled before the police patrol team got to the scene.

“Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, PSC, MNIPS, has visited the scene and deployed tactical teams to the area,” the statement reads.

“He directed the area commander and DPO to intensify efforts to track down and arrest the perpetrators.

“The CP has vowed that the killers of the police officer and the OSPAC operative will not escape justice.”

The command advised residents to remain calm and cooperative by reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station.