Police neutralize notorious cultist and kidnapper in Rivers, recover AK-47 rifle, ammunitions

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have neutralized a notorious cultist and kidnapper terrorizing communities in Khana Local Government Area of the state.

The spokesperson of the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, November 17, 2024, said the suspect, Gbarani Bume, a.k.a. Pelele, was shot d3ad in a gun duel with police operatives after he and his gang attempted to kidnap a site Engineer.

“The Rivers State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in combating crime, neutralizing a notorious cultist and kidnapper, Gbarani Bume, a.k.a. Pelele, a native of Bere Community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State,” the statement read.

“He was a member of the Iceland Cult Group, which has been terrorizing Beree/Tabaa axis of Khana Local Government Area.

“On the 15th of November, 2024, operatives of the Command attached to Bori Division acting on a tip-off, were mobilized to Luawii Community where Pelele and his gang were attempting to kidnap a site Engineer.

“The hoodlums on sighting the Operatives, opened fire on the operatives and a fierce crossfire ensued between the Police Operatives and the hoodlums during which Pelele was fatally wounded, his accomplices escaped with various degrees of bullet wounds.”

Items recovered from the suspect include one AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 10 rounds of live ammunition.

The PPRO said investigation is ongoing, while concerted efforts are intensified to apprehend other fleeing gang members and bring them to justice.

“This operation demonstrates the Command’s commitment to tackling and ensuring public safety in Rivers State,” she added.