Delta Police Neutralize Two Kidnappers, Arrest Five Cultists in Separate Operations
Operatives from the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) of the Delta State Police Command have successfully neutralized two suspected kidnappers and arrested five suspected cultists in separate operations within the state.
On October 28, 2024, at approximately 7:48 PM, CP-SAT operatives, acting on credible intelligence, stormed criminal hideouts along the Ewheru-Patani Road in the Ughelli Local Government Area. The suspects, however, ambushed the operatives, triggering a fierce gun battle. During the exchange, two of the kidnappers sustained gunshot wounds and were subsequently taken to the General Hospital in Ughelli. Unfortunately, they were confirmed dead by the attending doctors.
A search of the criminals’ hideouts led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol with two live rounds and an AK-47 rifle with six live rounds of ammunition. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were believed to be responsible for a series of criminal activities, including kidnappings and murders along the Warri-Sapele Road, the Mosogar axis, as well as in Oghara and Ughelli.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation on November 4, 2024, CP-SAT operatives led by ASP Julius Robinson arrested five suspected cultists in the Oton community and Sapele town. The suspects were apprehended between 3:00 AM and 5:30 AM following credible intelligence. Among those arrested were:
– Eremoje Dudun Oritsedere (alias ‘General’), 34, from Deghele community, Warri South West LGA, and a resident of Oton community in Sapele, who was found in possession of the gang’s AK-47 rifle.
– Emmanuel Irhurhu, 29, from Oton community, Sapele.
– Godstime Jacob, 25, from Jesse community, Ethiope West LGA.
– Ighene Jefrry, 29, from Jesse town.
– Iboyi Gain, 33, from Mosogar community, Ethiope West LGA.
The arrests followed confessions from **Philip Okunumah (alias ‘G3’)**, 28, of Jesse, who was previously arrested and implicated the suspects in a string of cult-related killings. During the operation, police recovered an abandoned operational Toyota Corolla with registration number KWL 635 BU, along with a Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds of ammunition.
The suspects are believed to be members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, a notorious cult group. In light of these developments, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has urged parents and guardians to actively discourage their children from engaging in cult-related activities. He also called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or activities to the police.
Both investigations into the kidnapping and cult-related activities are ongoing.
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