Suspected cultists kill youth leader in Rivers

Thursday, April 10, 2025 - A former youth leader in Odhiajie community, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, was sh0t dead in the early hours of Wednesday, April 9, by suspected cultists believed to be members of the Iceland sect. 

The attackers, numbering five, allegedly stormed the home of Godspower Uwhetu at about 1 a.m., forcibly dragged him outside, and shot him dead in front of his house.

Local sources told Vanguard that the assailants were loyalists of the late cult figure David Gift, popularly known as 2Baba, whose group has been linked to a series of violent incidents in the region. The group is reportedly led by an individual identified as Sam, who allegedly spearheaded Wednesday's attack.

Hector Chinem Ekeakita, a resident and former Public Relations Officer of the Igbu Akoh Youth Congress, confirmed the killing and provided context leading up to the fatal shooting. According to Ekeakita, tensions escalated days prior when Sam’s mother publicly accused Uwhetu of orchestrating a military raid on her son's residence. Following the confrontation, Uwhetu reportedly went into hiding, fearing for his life.

“Uwhetu told his friends that if anything happened to him, Sam should be held responsible,” Ekeakita said. “This morning, we woke up to the news of his murder. Sam is one of the 2Baba loyalists who narrowly escaped during a raid on their base by security forces.”

The incident has sparked renewed calls for urgent intervention by security agencies. Ekeakita highlighted ongoing insecurity in the Igbu Akoh kingdom, referencing recent acts of vandalism in the nearby Odieke-Akoh community where properties and solar installations were destroyed by suspected cultists.

“We are calling on the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Air Force, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Army units stationed in Ahoada to swing into action before the situation deteriorates further,” he urged. “There is a need to fish out these criminal elements who are holding Ekpeye land hostage.”

As of press time, the Rivers State Police Command has not issued an official statement regarding the incident. Residents continue to live in fear amid rising violence, demanding immediate action to restore peace and order in the community.