The acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of the criminal elements that murdered the Divisional Police Officer, Ahoada Division in Rivers State, SP Bako Angbashim.
The slain DPO was humiliated, gruesomely murdered, and mutilated by some hardened armed criminals in Ahoada area of Rivers State on Friday, 8th September, 2023, while on operation in the area.
In a statement by Force Publlic Relations Officer (FPRO) ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, noted that,” the IGP, who condemned the gruesome murder described the act as heinous and barbaric act, saying that such an act was not only an affront on our national status, but also a reflection of a lack of patriotism and gross illegality.
“The IGP, while emphasizing unequivocally that such nefarious acts against any operative in Nigeria, would not be taken with levity as all the perpetrators would be caused to face the full wrath of the law.
“He extends his deepest condolences to the grieving family, dedicated colleagues and friends of SP Angbashim urging them to embody his dedication, humility, and selflessness”.
The gallant DPO was slain and beheaded in a most horrific maner by suspected Cultists operating in Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state.
Bako, a respected police personnel is notable for his efforts in the fight against cultism, kidnapping and killing in the state.
The police DPO, who had served at Bori Police Divisional Headquarters in Khana LGA, and restored sanity in the area, was this year deployed to Ahoada communities being terrorized by devil-minded cultists in the move to exterminate the cultists in the area.
Ahoada communities including Odumude, Odumereni, Odemusoma and Ihugbogo, Odieke and others have been at the mercy of cultists, spurring the police to take one of its best, Bako, to the area.
It was gathered that Bako upon resumption of duty had mounted pressure on the cultists, sacking them from their camps, while some of the cult leaders out of pressure willfully surrendered their arms.
But, on Friday, the cultists in the area re-mobilised back to the forest with the aid of a spiritualist and killed the leader of the special team, Bako.
Rivers State Police Publlic Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Grace Iringe-Koko, explained that Bako was killed in the forest in an ambush during an onslaught against cultists in Ahoada.
Iringe-Koko said: “In an unfortunate incident on 8th of September,2023, the DPO of Ahoada Division, SP Bako Angbashim, displayed exemplary courage during a mission to combat criminal activities in the Odumude Area of Ahoada East Local Government Area in Rivers State.
“SP Bako Angbashim, alongside his dedicated team, embarked on a raid of known criminal blackspots in the region. The operation led to a pursuit of criminals from their concealed hideouts. Tragically, as they were returning from this operation, they were ambushed by a significant number of criminals who opened fire on the brave officers.
“In the face of this adversity, SP Bako Angbashim, valiantly held his ground, while his men, depleted of ammunition, made a tactical retreat. Regrettably, during this engagement, SP Bako Angbashim sustained fatal injuries, and one of his informants was also injured, currently receiving medical care for a gunshot wound.
“The criminals seized the body of SP Bako Angbashim, forcing the remaining officers to return to their base for reinforcement. Efforts were made to rescue and recover the DPO’s body, with assistance sought from the Army teams stationed at FOB Base Etraco. However, the operation proved challenging due to the extremely dark conditions within the dense bush.
