Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has announced drastic measures to bringing to justice the killers of SP Bako Angbashim, the Ahoada Divisional Police Officer.

The DPO was killed and beheaded on Friday, September 8, 2023, at about 7.00 pm, around the Odiemudie Community in the Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.

It was learnt on Saturday that the gruesome murder of SP Angbashim occurred when he and his team ran into an ambush while returning from their operation where they were attacked by the criminals.

He was however reportedly shot in the ensuing gunfire, captured and eventually murdered by his captors.

Reacting on Saturday, Fubara said in a statement he personally signed: “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”.

Reviewing the security situation in parts of Rivers State following the mindless murder of the DPO, Fubara said: “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.

“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.”

Continuing, Fubara said: “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.

“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.”