Mr Oluchi Igwedibia, dreaded cultist and younger brother to the recently slain cultist, Don Wanny, in Rivers state has been killed by a combined team of DSS and the men of the Nigerian army.
Igwedibia was among 32 persons declared wanted after over 23 persons were killed in a new year attack led by late Don Wanny in Omoku Rivers State.
Don Wanny was killed two weeks after the attack and a bounty of 640 million naira placed by the state government on his subordinates, among whom was Mr Oluchi, a younger brother and next in command to the late cult kingpin.
In a statement signed by the special assistant to the Rivers state governor, Mr Simeaon Nwakandu, the governor commended the DSS and the Army for tracking down late Oluchi.
The statement reads in full:
Governor Wike commends DSS/Nigerian Army for killing Oluchi Igwedibia, Don Wanny’s Younger brother
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army for the joint operation that led to the killing of Oluchi Igwedibia alias Obatosu, younger brother of Late Don Wanny.
The younger brother of Late Don Wanny who was amongst the 32 Cultists declared wanted by the State Security Council was killed at Sabo Iyakpe, Etsako West in Edo State on Sunday, January 28, 2018, following accurate DSS intelligence.
The Late Oluchi Igwedibia alias Obatosu played a prominent role in the New Year killings by Don Wanny gang in Omoku.
Governor Wike declared that none of those declared wanted by the Rivers State Security Council will go free, saying that they will all be brought to justice.
The governor further declared that the N20million bounty placed for credible information that will lead to the arrest of the wanted cultists is still in place.
He stated all those who participated in the New Year Mayhem at Omoku and any other security infraction in the state will be traced and brought to justice.
Governor Wike stated that the State Government will continue to work with security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that Rivers State remains safe.
Simeon Nwakaudu,
Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media.
28th January, 2018.Wani, a suspected militant leader, was confirmed killed in a combined operation by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Army at a border town between Rivers and Imo early January.
Wani had terrorized residents of Ogba/Egbema Local government area of Rivers state for years. He allegedly fuels his violence with royalty collected from oil companies operating the area.
Wani escaped death in late 2017 when a joint team of vigilante stormed his residence and chased him out of town. He allegedly escaped with gun wounds.
Wani later made statements on radio alleging that he was being witch-hunted and denying all allegations of violence and killings levelled against him.
An attack on residents returning from church on new year eve left 15 persons dead and with allegations that Don Wani orchestrated the attacks.
The Rivers state government announced a 200 million naira bounty for information leading to the arrests of suspects responsible for the attack. The federal government initiated a partnership with state government and a manhunt was launched in search of Wani and his cohorts.
