There was widespread anger yesterday over the gruesome murder of a renowned crime fighter and Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada Division, Rivers State.

The killing of Bako Angbasim by a cult group known as Icelanders came as a shock to security formations and residents of the state.

Bako, an outstanding police officer known for his bravery in leading dangerous operations against cultism and kidnapping, was brutally murdered, beheaded and mutilated by leaders and members of a notorious cult group, Icelanders.

He was reportedly killed between 6 and 7pm on Friday while returning from an operation in Odeimude Forest, Ahoada East, where he led his team to dislodge a camp operated by cultists and kidnappers in the area.

But it was learnt that Bako would have survived the attack if he had enough ammunition to ward off the Icelanders allegedly led by their point one hit man, 2Baba.

It was gathered that Bako and his team were already on their way back from the operation when many of the armed cultists ambushed them and started shooting at them.

The enemy camp was said to have fortified their arsenal with four General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) as they engaged Bako and his men in ceaseless shootings for many minutes.

Despite the shootings, it was gathered that bullets could not penetrate the men from both sides, but that Bako and his men began to retreat after running out of ammunition.

While other police operatives in the team took to their heels, Bako attempted to run away but suffered cramps that hindered his movement.

He was reportedly captured alive by his assailants, who took him away and had enough time to cut off his head, hands and genitals as they celebrated his death.

The heartless men of the underworld were happy that the only police officer who had been a thorn in their flesh was out of the way.

A source said: “There was a shootout for several minutes between the DPO and 2Baba-led Iceland. The bullets were not penetrating either of the sides till the policemen ran out of ammunition.

“While the DPO attempted to run, he had a muscle cramp and they caught him alive and took him away. For over four hours, no reinforcement came to his rescue”.

Many stakeholders in the state mourned the death of Bako, who was known to have stabilised many troubled areas in Rivers State.

Prior to his posting to Ahoada, Bako, who had for a long time remained in the rank of a Superintendent of Police (SP), was said to have fought cultists to a standstill in the Ogoni axis of the state.

“Despite his sacrifices, Bako had remained in one rank for a long time. It seemed they purposely left him that way purposely so as to remain in the operational field to keep confronting the security challenges in the state.

“If they had promoted him beyond that rank, he would have perhaps been transferred.

“He was famous for not wearing shoes or boots. Even when he visited the state command, he was always barefooted,” a source who spoke in confidence said.

Many crime reporters in the state were in tears over the way and manner Bako, who they described as a brave officer, paid the supreme price.

A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that Bako and his men ran out of ammunition during the ambush.

The statement said: “In an unfortunate incident on the evening of September 8, 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 black spots 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.

“The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Nwonyi Polycarp Emeka, PhD, has expressed deep determination to bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice.

“An extensive investigation is currently underway to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family of SP Bako Angbashim and all those affected by this distressing incident.”

Rivers declares suspects wanted, places N100m bounty on them

Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday placed a N100 million bounty on the killers of the popular DPO.

He also announced indefinite suspension of a traditional ruler, His Majesty, Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi Eze Igbu Akoh II, for ceding control of his territory to the notorious gang and its alleged leader, David Gift, to freely operate and carry out their criminal activities.

Reacting to the incident on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Governor Fubara said: “On Friday, 8^th September 2023, at about 7.00 pm, I was briefed on the security operations around the Odiemudie community in Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state, and the gruesome murder of SP Bako Angbashim, the Ahoada Divisional Police Officer, by a bunch of criminals, presently at large.

“S.P. Bako and his team ran into an ambush while returning from their operation where they were attacked by the criminals.

“Unfortunately, he was shot in the ensuing gunfire, captured and eventually murdered by his captors.

“Credible intelligence from the security agencies traced the entire incident to one Gift David Okpara Okpolowu (a.k.a. 2-Baba) and his criminal gang, who have established camps in the locality and are responsible for the resurgence of violent crimes, including kidnapping and terrorism in Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state.

“As a responsible government, we cannot fold our arms and allow criminals and crimes to rear their ugly heads and thrive in any part of our state.

“Accordingly, upon the review of the entire incident and the security situation in the affected areas with the security agencies, we have decided on the following measures to bring the murderers of SP Bako to justice and arrest the deteriorating security situation in the Ahoada East Local Government:

First, the prime suspects, Mr. Gift David Okpara Okpolowu (a.k.a. 2-Baba) and all members of his criminal gang are hereby declared wanted.

“Secondly, a bounty of one hundred million (N100,000,000.00) naira is hereby placed on his head for anyone who gives useful information that would lead to his arrest and prosecution.

“Thirdly, His Majesty, Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi Eze Igbu Akoh II, is hereby suspended indefinitely for acts of complicity in ceding control of his territory to the notorious David Gift and his gang to freely operate and carry out their criminal activities.

“I reiterate our commitment to guaranteeing the security of all residents and assure everyone that we will do everything in our power to hunt down Gift David and his gang and bring them to justice.

“Finally, on behalf of the Government and people of Rivers State, I hereby extend my profound condolences to the family of SP Bako, especially the wife and children and the State’s Police Command for this irreparable loss.

“SP Bako was a fine, brave and dutiful police officer, who gave up his life to keep us safe and secure. He died in active service to his nation and we remember him for his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice.

“The Government of Rivers State will not allow his family to suffer the pains of his sudden and irreplaceable loss alone as we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.”

IGP condemns killing, orders arrest, prosecution of culprits

The Acting Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday condemned the gruesome murder of Angbashim.

A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said: “The IGP has ordered immediate investigation, arrest and prosecution of all the culprits that carried out the heinous and barbaric act, adding that such an act is not only an affront on our national status but also a reflection of a lack of patriotism and gross illegality.

“The IGP, while emphasising that such nefarious acts against any operative in Nigeria will not be taken with levity as all the perpetrators will be caused to face the full wrath of the law, extended condolences to the grieving family, dedicated colleagues and friends of SP Bako Angbashim, urging them to embody his dedication, humility, and selflessness.” (The Nation)

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