By Nicholas Ojo
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the death of three suspected cultists killed in a gun duel between members of the gangs in Abarikpo community, Ahoada East Local Government Area of the State.
Quest Times gathered that the incident happened in the wee hours of Thursday, December 15, 2022.
A particular cult group was said to have invaded the community at about 2am in search of their unit leader, one James Bright, aka Borokiri, who was said to have converted the arms and ammunition of the group to his personal use, according to a source.
“The unit leader of the group engaged the invading faction in a gun battle which resulted in the death of two of the invaders.
“The residents of the area were trapped in their houses to avoid being hit by stray bullets until day break,” the source stated.
The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police command, SP Grace Iringe Koko, who confirmed the incident, stated that barring the timely intervention of the Police, the shootings would have escalated.
SP Koko said the Police, on getting the information, trailed James Bright to his hideout. On sighting the Police, he opened fire and in the exchange of gunfire that ensued, he was shot dead.
SP Koko further disclosed that normalcy has returned to the area as a detachment of Police has been stationed there.
“The Command has also intensified patrol of the area while investigation has commenced with a view to arresting other fleeing members of the cult gang,” she added.