The Rivers State Police Command has neutralized a notorious cultist and kidnapper, Gbarani Bume, also known as “Pelele.”

Bume, a native of Bere Community in Khana Local Government Area of the state, was a member of the Iceland Cult Group, a gang notorious for terrorizing the Bere and Tabaa axis of the local government.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Public Relations Officer of the command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the development, saying they ran out of luck when the police received intelligence about an attempt by the gang to abduct a site engineer.

Acting swiftly on the tip-off, operatives engaged the gang, leading to the death of Bume during the operation.

Iringe-Koko said, “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, and his accomplices escaped with various degrees of bullet wounds.

Some of the items recovered during the operation include, “One (1) AK-47 Rifle, Two (2) Magazines, Ten (10) Rounds of Live Ammunition.”

Iringe-Koko assured that “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.”

Police kill notorious cultist and kidnapper in Rivers State