Police kill ‘notorious cult leader’ in Rivers

The police command in Rivers says its operatives have killed Izuma Odiereke, popularly known as ‘Solution’, during a gun duel in Ahoada LGA of the state.

Odiereke was reportedly the commander of a dreaded cult group called Greenland.

Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, said in a statement that Olatunji Disu, commissioner of police in the state, described Odiereke as a “serial killer”.

Disu said the suspected cult leader had been on the run since 2016, after being linked with multiple assassinations in the state.

“Odiereke met his end during a gun battle with law enforcement officers at his camp in Api Forest between Odiereke Ubie and Joinkarama communities in Ahoada around 4 a.m. on Monday,” the statement reads.

“Law enforcement officers have faced attacks by Odiereke and his cult group on several occasions, leading to his placement on our wanted list since 2016.

“Odiereke, a serial killer, was implicated in numerous killings and criminal acts that left his clan deserted.”

Disu added that the cult leader and his associates killed a prominent traditional ruler in the state on February 2.

He, however, commended officers of the Ahoada division for their dedication, and urged them to remain steadfast in their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region.

The commissioner of police also expressed gratitude to the community for providing crucial intelligence and credible information to law enforcement agencies.