The Rivers State Police Command has condemned the killing of two security operatives in a brutal attack on Monday night, June 23, 2025. The incident, carried out by suspected cultists, occurred around the outer perimeter of the Ahoada East Local Council, resulting in the deaths of two security operatives.

According to reports, gunmen on motorbikes attempted to infiltrate the council secretariat, prompting security operatives to open fire in response. The incident, which occurred between 8:00p.m. and 9:00p.m., left two persons dead, including a member of the local vigilante and a police officer.

Emeni Ibe, the President of the Orashi National Congress (ONC), confirmed the incident yesterday and described the scene as chaotic, with business owners hurriedly shutting their shops and running to safety. The incident has left the community in shock, with many residents expressing fear and concern for their safety. Ibe called on the youth of the local council to drop their arms and give peace a chance, while also urging security agencies to come to their aid.

The incident is the latest in a string of violent events in the area. Last week, unknown youths invaded the office of the Administrator of Ahoada East Local Council, beating him up and forcing him to sign a prepared resignation letter.

The state police command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, noted that armed assailants led by two men, Umegbewe Kingsley a.k.a. ‘Gutam’, and one Opaka (surname unknown), believed to be leaders of the Iceland cult group, stormed the OSPAC office beside the Ahoada East Council Secretariat and opened fire on its operatives.

Iringe-Koko explained that during the assault, OSPAC operative Ngozi Ipah was shot. While escaping, the assailants also gunned down a police officer, Corporal Francis Friday, who was on special duty at the Secretariat with the Special Intervention Squad (SIS).

“Responding swiftly, police patrol teams led by the Divisional Police Officer arrived at the scene, but the attackers had already fled. Both victims were rushed to the Ahoada General Hospital with multiple gunshot wounds but were pronounced dead on arrival. Their bodies have been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy,” she explained.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, who visited the scene, deployed tactical teams to the area. 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 urged residents to remain calm and cooperative by reporting any suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station.