Gunmen suspected to be cultists, on Friday killed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Ahoada Police Division in Ahoada-East local government area of Rivers State, Bako Angbashim.
It was gathered that the slain senior police officer died during a shoot-out between police operatives and the cultists believed to be members of Icelanders at a suspected cultists’ camp in Odeimude community, Ahoada-East LGA.
According to Daily Trust, they beheaded the Divisional Police Officer and a viral video shows the headless body of Angbashim with a voice note in the background mocking the deceased for having the guts to go to war with Iceland members.
Angbasim, a Superintendent of Police, was the DPO in-charge of Bori Police Division before his redeployment to Ahoada-East, to assist in curbing the rising insecurity occasioned by activities of cult groups in both Ahoada-East and Ahoada-West local government areas of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident on Saturday. She said one of the slain DPO’s informant was injured during the shootout and is receiving medical attention.
Iringe-Koko said: “In an unfortunate incident on the evening of September 8, 2023, the DPO of Ahoda 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.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Nwonyi Emeka, has expressed deep determination to bring the perpetrators of the heinous act to justice.
