In a stunning development, the notorious cult leader and prime suspect in the brutal murder of a senior police officer in Rivers state, Gift Okpara, aka 2Baba, was reportedly shot dead in a major joint operation by the police and other security agencies on Saturday, February 17, 2024.
2Baba, who was the leader of the Iceland cult group, had been on the run since September 2023, when he and his gang ambushed and killed SP Bako Angbashim, the Divisional Police Officer of Odiemudie community in Ahoada East Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers state. The cultists then took the DPO to the forest, where they slaughtered him and dismembered his body. They also filmed the gruesome act and circulated it on social media, sparking outrage and condemnation.
The police had declared 2Baba wanted and placed a bounty of N50 million on his head, but he had managed to evade arrest for months, hiding in the creeks and forests of Rivers state. He was also said to be behind several cases of kidnapping, robbery, and assassination in the state.
However, his reign of terror came to an end on Saturday, when the police and other security agencies launched a massive land and aerial raid at his hideout at Idu-Ekpeye in Ahoada East LGA. According to sources, the operation involved over 15 vehicles, an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), and a helicopter. The security forces engaged 2Baba and his gang in a fierce gun battle, which lasted for several hours.
A senior police officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that 2Baba was hit several times with bullets during the exchange of fire. He said: “2Baba fell flat on the ground, but some of his boys quickly took him away. The police are still moving in to get his corpse.”
The officer also confirmed that several other cultists were killed or arrested during the operation, while some arms and ammunition were recovered. He said the operation was a huge success and a major blow to the criminal elements in Rivers state.
The news of 2Baba’s death was greeted with jubilation and relief by the residents of Ahoada and other communities in Rivers state, who had been living in fear of his atrocities. They commended the police and other security agencies for their bravery and professionalism in bringing the cult leader to justice.
The Rivers State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement on the operation and the fate of 2Baba. However, sources said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ebere Onyeagoro, would address the press soon and give more details on the operation and its outcome.
