The police said its operatives killed two suspected cultists during a shootout, while an alleged gang leader, who has been terrorising Ibaa community, Emuoha Local Government Area of Rivers State has been arrested.

Spokesman for the state police command, Nnamdi Omoni, disclosed this in statement made available to newsmen.

Omoni said while acting on credible information, policemen nabbed the gang leader, Goodluck Ezekwu, popularly called ‘big daddy’.

He said big daddy’s gang had on August 25 killed one Amobi Oguzo ‘m’; his arch rival and biological son.

The statement added, “In the course of investigation, he was arrested in Imo State and taken to custody.

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“During interrogation, he made useful confessions and led the Police Team to Ibaa Community, where one Ebere Amesi and other members of the gang were hibernating.

“However, on sighting the Police, the said Ebere Amesi and his gang, aggressively engaged the Police in a fierce gun battle and in the exchange of fire, both Goodluck Ezekwu and Ebere Amesi were caught in the cross fire, where they sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

“They were immediately taken to the hospital and were confirmed dead by the doctors. In the wake of the encounter, one AK47 rifle with breech No: 15422 and one assault rifle No: Q701697A, with three live Ammunition were recovered.

“Their corpses have been deposited in the Mortuary, while efforts have been intensified to ensure the arrest of the fleeing gang members and recover their Operational weapons.”

Omoni said the state Commissioner of Police, Eboka Friday, has condemned the attack on the Police and directed the commanders of the Tactical Units to beef up security in Ibaa Community and its environs.

The state police boss urged youths to shun cultism and other vices capable of endangering their future.

He also called on the people of Emohua LGA and other well-meaning people of the State to join hands with the police in its efforts to rid the area and the entire state of all criminal elements.