14th January, 2023
Police operatives in Anambra have shot dead one Okechukwu Freedom an alleged leader of Vikings cult in a gun battle with members of his gang at their hideout in in Nkpor community of Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Two members of the gang were also arrested.
DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, the spokesperson for Anambra State Police Command who announced this in a statement revealed that the police officers had stormed the hideout of the cult gang early last Tuesday morning based on credible information about their nefarious activities.
According to the statement, the deceased alongside two other members of his gang identified as Caleb Nwankwo and Katchi Nwolisa had on sighting the police attempted to escape by shooting indiscriminately.
He added that police engaged the suspects in a gun duel, during which Okechukwu was killed while the two others were arrested with gunshot wounds.
The Police spokesperson said the suspects confessed to be members of Viking Confrantenity and identified the late Okechukwu as their leader.
The Police also claimed that the suspects have been involved in the cult-related killings in Nkpor, Obosi, and in the attack that led to the murder of one Chimeile Udemba and Ikenna Nwagbulu on December 2022.
According to the statement, items recovered from the suspect include two locally made pistols, one lady machine, one expanded cartridge, charms, face mask and substance suspected to be hard drugs.
Meanwhile, the police also said in the statement that it also one locally made pistol, one expanded cartridge, and one ladies’ motorcycle from suspects who ran away on sighting its operatives in Anambra State.
Meanwhile, Anambra commissioner of police, CP Echeng Echeng has ordered Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Commanders of Tactical/Operational Units/Formations to embark on aggressive crime-prevention and visibility patrols in their areas of responsibility.
“This plan shall enhance adequately already policing strategy put in place that is potently and dynamic to respond to any emergency, and security concerns and prevent untoward activities by criminal elements,” said Okechukwu in the statement.