A former youth leader in Odhiajie community, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, was shot dead in the early hours of Wednesday, April 9, by suspected members of the Iceland cult group.
The attackers, reportedly five in number, stormed the residence of Godspower Uwhetu around 1 a.m., dragged him outside, and shot him dead in front of his home.
Local sources told Vanguard that the assailants were loyalists of the late cult figure David Gift, popularly known as 2Baba. The group is said to now operate under the leadership of an individual identified as Sam, who allegedly led Wednesday’s deadly assault.
Hector Chinem Ekeakita, a former Public Relations Officer of the Igbu Akoh Youth Congress and a resident of the area, confirmed the killing. He said tensions had escalated days before the incident after Sam’s mother publicly accused Uwhetu of tipping off the military about her son’s whereabouts, resulting in a raid on their residence. Following the accusation, Uwhetu reportedly went into hiding, fearing retaliation.
“Uwhetu told his friends that if anything happened to him, Sam should be held responsible,” Ekeakita stated. “This morning, we woke up to the tragic news of his murder. Sam is one of 2Baba’s loyalists who narrowly escaped during the recent security raid on their base.”
The killing has reignited calls for urgent security intervention in the area. Ekeakita also drew attention to ongoing unrest in the Igbu Akoh kingdom, citing a recent incident in the neighboring Odieke-Akoh community, where suspected cultists vandalized properties and destroyed solar installations.
“We are appealing to the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Air Force, the Inspector-General of Police, and Army units in Ahoada to act swiftly before the crisis escalates further,” he said. “These criminal elements must be brought to justice to restore peace in Ekpeye land.”
As of press time, the Rivers State Police Command has yet to release an official statement on the incident. Meanwhile, residents remain on edge amid rising violence and insecurity in the region.
