Tension in Rivers: Cult attack leaves two dead, police launch manhunt

Two security personnel were killed on Monday night, June 23, 2025, following a violent attack near the Ahoada East Local Government Council in Rivers State.

Eyewitnesses said the attack happened between 8 and 9 pm when gunmen on motorcycles tried to break into the council secretariat.

Security operatives on duty opened fire in defense, but a police officer and a member of the local vigilante group, OSPAC, were fatally shot during the exchange.

President of the Orashi National Congress (ONC), Emeni Ibe, confirmed the incident and described it as chaotic.

He said nearby shop owners ran for safety and quickly shut down their businesses. Ibe appealed to local youths to stop the violence and called for stronger security presence in the area.

This incident comes just a week after unknown youths stormed the office of the Ahoada East LGA Administrator, beat him, and forced him to sign a resignation letter.

The Rivers State Police Command has strongly condemned the latest attack. According to a statement by police spokesperson SP Grace Iringe-Koko, members of the Iceland cult group, led by suspects known as Umegbewe Kingsley (aka ‘Gutam’) and one Opaka, opened fire at the OSPAC office beside the secretariat.

OSPAC member Ngozi Ipah and Police Corporal Francis Friday, who was part of a special duty team, were both shot. They were taken to Ahoada General Hospital but died from their injuries.

Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, visited the scene and ordered the deployment of tactical teams to hunt down the attackers.

He assured that the killers will be brought to justice this adding that Rivers State will no longer condone such persons.

The police also urged residents to stay calm and assist by reporting any suspicious people or activities to nearby police stations, saying both the people and police should help each other keep the state safe.