The Rivers State Police Command said its operatives have successfully neutralised a notorious cultist and kidnapper, Gbarani Bume, also known as Pelele, who had been terrorising the Beree/Tabaa axis of Khana Local Government Area.

A statement by the Command’s Spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said Pelele, a native of Bere Community, was a member of the Iceland Cult Group, known for its nefarious activities in the region.

According to Iringe-Koko, on November 15, 2024, police operatives from the Bori Division received a tip-off about Pelele’s plans to kidnap a site engineer in Luawii Community.

She said the operatives swiftly mobilised to the location, where they encountered Pelele and his gang. The hoodlums opened fire on the police, leading to a fierce crossfire that resulted in Pelele’s fatal injuries. His accomplices managed to escape but not without sustaining various degrees of bullet wounds.

Additionally, she explained that during the operation, the police recovered several items from Pelele, including an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 10 rounds of live ammunition.

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She added that the command has launched an investigation into the incident and is intensifying efforts to apprehend the fleeing gang members and bring them to justice.