In a significant victory against criminality, the Rivers State Police Command has successfully neutralized a notorious cult leader, Izuma David Odiereke, also known as Solution, who was operating in Owube Kingdom, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Odiereke, who had long been on the wanted list of the police, met his end in a gun battle with law enforcement officers in a forest within the Local Government Area at about 4 am on Monday, March 25, according to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko.
Addressing the press at the Ahoada Area Command, where Odiereke’s body was brought, the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, stated: “We have been under attack from him (Odiereke) and his cult group for some time.
“The command declared him wanted in 2016 due to numerous killings attributed to him. He is a serial killer, and his criminal activities have rendered his clan deserted.”
CP Disu continued: “The reign of terror perpetrated by Odiereke came to an end when the command led a successful operation to his camp at Api forest, situated between Odiereke Ubie and Joinkarama 4 in Ahoada West Local Government Area.
“Despite his attempts to evade capture, the command maintained relentless pursuit, eventually leading to his neutralization.”
The Commissioner of Police listed over 10 individuals killed by Odiereke’s Greenland Cult group during his reign of terror, including the notable paramount ruler, Sampson, who fell victim to the gangster on February 2, 2024.
He commended the officers of the Ahoada Area Command and Division for their dedication, urging them to remain steadfast in their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region.
The Commissioner also expressed gratitude to the local community for their cooperation, providing crucial intelligence and credible information to aid law enforcement efforts.
In a show of solidarity, members of the Ahoada West community gathered to express their appreciation to the Rivers State Police Command’s efforts in restoring peace.
The Chairman of Ahoada East LGA, Ben Eke Esq., expressed his satisfaction, stating: “Though he (Odiereke) is from Ahoada West and was neutralized there, the ripple effects of reduced criminality will benefit my LGA.”
Paramount ruler, Seji Ebenezer of Owube community, Odiereke’s hometown, echoed the sentiment, saying: “The community is relieved. This young man has been a terror, engaging in serial killings, kidnappings and notorious cult activities.”
The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents, and this successful operation marks a significant step forward in achieving that goal.
