From Tony John, Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Police command has gunned down a notorious Greenland cult leader, Ikem ThankGod, popularly known as ‘General 2Man.’
General 2Man was notoriously known for kidnapping and armed robbery operations in Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas of the state.
State Commissioner of Police, CP Mustapha Bala, during a press briefing, said the suspected cultist had been wrecking havoc in Ahoada East and Ahoada West communities particularly Obologbolo community and Akinima Division.
Bala stated that preliminary investigation showed that ‘General 2 Man’ was responsible for many violent crimes.
He listed the killing of Bolt driver in December, 2023, shooting of one Police officer, Superintendent Bello during rescue of Adebayo, a kidnap victim and murder of an Igbo man after collecting ransom.
The Rivers Police Boss said ‘General 2 Man’ also snatched a red colour Toyota Camry and responsible for incessant vandalizm of pipeline and critical infrastructure in the two LGAs.
According to him, cult kingpin was also responsible for the killing of oil company workers and the murder of a couple on March 5, 2024.
Bala further disclosed that the cases involving ‘General 2 Man’ were pending and under investigation when he met his waterloo on Friday, December 5, 2024, when he wanted to carry out another operation.
Items recovered from him included two AK-47 rifles, five magazines and 20 rounds of live ammunition.
The Police boss revealed that other members of the gang escaped with bullet wounds.
He urged members of the public to report to the nearest Police station anybody with bullet wound.
Bala expressed: “I use this medium to appeal to Rivers People to collaborate with the command.
“We call for synergy to maintain peace and safety of lives and property.”
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police revealed that the command has initiated confident-building patrol throughout the night in the month of December, that would go round all the nook and crannies, raiding suspected the criminal hideouts.
Bala also disclosed that the command has upgraded security along Omagwa-Isiokpo-Elele road with additional deployment.