Four killed in Rivers as police, hoodlums engage in gun duel

Four hoodlums suspected to be members of Deygbam Cult group have been killed by the police in a community in Rivers State, according to The Nation.

The victims were killed while engaging the police in gun battle in the area.

The deceased persons are Chinomezia (Nickaaro), Chisa Orji, Okonna Aku a.k.a Okosa and another whose name could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report.

The incident occurred in Ndele community, Emohua Local Government Area of the state between late Thursday and early Friday.

The victims were said to have terrorised residents of the community as well as commuters on the East/West Road.

They were also linked to the killing of four members of local vigilance group in the council area last week, during which two of their victims were beheaded.

Confirming the death of the suspected cult members, the Commissioner of Police (CP), Emeka Nwonyi, said the police achieved the feat with assistance from the community vigilance group.

Nyonyi on assumption of duty in the state last week assured of restoring security across the state.

He lauded the efforts of the personnel of Rumuji Police Division and the local vigilance group who he said provided credible information that led to the killing of the hoodlums.

Some of the exhibits recovered from the criminals were two pump action guns, one locally made gun and empty catridges of AK 47.

The state police boss restated his earlier commitment to maintaining the existing peace while soliciting support and information from members of the public.