PORT HARCOURT – The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a police officer and a vigilante operative during a suspected cult attack in Ahoada-East Local Government Area.
Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, visited the scene on Tuesday alongside senior officers in response to the incident, which occurred on the night of June 23, 2025.
According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Superintendent Grace Iringe-Koko, the attackers — believed to be members of the Iceland cult group — launched a coordinated assault on the office of the local vigilante group, OSPAC, before targeting police personnel.
“The Rivers State Police Command condemns the brutal attack carried out by suspected cultists,” Iringe-Koko stated. “The armed assailants, led by two identified individuals — Umegbewe Kingsley, a.k.a. ‘Gutam’, and one Opaka — opened fire on OSPAC operatives beside the Ahoada East Council Secretariat.”
She explained that vigilante operative Ngozi Ipah was killed during the initial assault, after which the attackers shot and killed Corporal Francis Friday, who was on special duty at the secretariat with the Special Intervention Squad (SIS).
Despite the police’s swift response to the attack, the suspects had fled before officers arrived. The victims were rushed to Ahoada General Hospital but were confirmed dead on arrival.
Commissioner Adepoju has ordered the deployment of tactical units to the area and directed local commanders to intensify efforts to apprehend the suspects. He vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.
“The CP has assured the public that the command is committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and will leave no stone unturned in tracking down the perpetrators,” Iringe-Koko added.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities or individuals in the area.
