The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the death of Gift Okpara, also known as 2 Baba, a notorious cult leader and prime suspect in the murder of former Divisional Police Officer Bako Angbashim in September of the previous year. Angbashim was ambushed, captured, and dismembered by the cult gang in the Odiemudie community in Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state, with the gruesome act filmed.
Following Angbashim’s death, the police command had been actively pursuing 2 Baba, launching constant land and air bombardments in various hideouts of the Iceland cult leader. The recent joint security raid in the Idu-Ekpeye community, Ahiada East LGA, led to 2 Baba’s death, as confirmed by intelligence reports.
Spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, stated that during the raid, a human skull, assorted rifles, explosives, various charms, and other items were recovered from 2 Baba’s new hideout. The police statement indicated that the notorious cult leader attacked Okogbe town and Odiokwu community, destroying pipelines on February 17, 2024. A subsequent raid on 2 Baba’s camp resulted in a fierce gun battle, during which he and some of his gang members escaped. However, intelligence later confirmed 2 Baba’s death after he lost consciousness and resuscitation attempts failed.
Efforts are underway to retrieve the cult leader’s body, while investigations into the activities of the Iceland cult in the region continue. The recovered items from the camp include various firearms, ammunition, a bulletproof vest, dynamites, Army camouflage, charms, a human skull, and a jack-knife.
The killing of 2 Baba has led to jubilation in the Ahoada axis of the state, where the cult leader was known for terrorizing communities and demanding money from households. In a voice note aired on a radio station in November 2023, 2 Baba had denied involvement in the DPO’s death, claiming he was not present during the incident.
