MR Supreme, the wanted leader of the notorious cult group, Dey Bam, tormenting communities in Rivers State, has been shot dead by troops of the Nigerian Army, over the weekend.
This followed a successful raid operation carried out in Sime Community in Tai Local Government Area by troops of the 29 Battalion deployed at Ebubu Eleme Local Government Area and the Anti-Robbery Team of 6 Division Nigerian Army deployed along Port Harcourt/Akwa Ibom Road.
The troop also overpowered and arrested another member of the cult group, ThankGod Ndunaka, who has been handed over to the police, while several other members escaped during the operation.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, operation was conducted by the army troop, acting on a tip-off.
“During the operation, troops engaged in gun duel with members of the notorious Dey Bam Cult group led by one Mr Supreme who has been on the wanted list of Rivers State government. He was shot during the gun battle and later died of excessive bleeding, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
“Also, one Mr ThankGod Ndunaka, a suspected member of the cult, was arrested and handed over to the police for further investigation,” the statement read in part.
According to Colonel Iliyasu, items recovered during the raid include: one SIGP228 pistol with registration number 299MM E225 and 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
“The authorities of Headquarters 6 Division hereby warns that it will henceforth clamp down on persons or groups indulging in any form of criminality within Rivers State and across its entire area of responsibility at large.
“All cultists and criminal elements are therefore warned to desist from such ignoble acts and embrace the amnesty programme currently being offered by the Rivers State Government.
“The Division also wishes to reassure the peace-loving people of Rivers State of the safety of their lives and property”, he said, admonishing the people to always volunteer useful information that can assist in checkmating crimes and criminality in the state.
and then