In the Ahoada area of Rivers State, a group of cultists has carried out a gruesome act by murdering and beheading District Police Officer Bako Angbashim. This tragic incident occurred on Friday night within the Odumude Community, situated in Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state.
Bako was a highly respected police officer known for his relentless efforts in combating cultism, kidnapping, and violence in the state.
Previously stationed at the Bori Police Divisional Headquarters in Khana LGA, Bako had successfully restored order in the area. However, he was redeployed this year to Ahoada communities, which were under the threat of ruthless cultists, as part of a mission to eradicate their influence in the region.
Ahoada communities such as Odumude, Odumereni, Odemusoma, Ihugbogo, Odieke, and others had been suffering from the activities of these cultists, prompting the police to deploy one of their finest, Bako, to the area.
It should be noted that an undisclosed source from Odumude had previously revealed that the cultists in the area had warned residents against reporting criminal incidents to the security agencies. Upon taking charge, Bako had exerted significant pressure on the cultists, forcing them out of their hideouts, with some cult leaders voluntarily surrendering their weapons.
Unfortunately, on that fateful Friday, the cultists regrouped in the forest with the assistance of a spiritualist and launched an ambush, resulting in the tragic death of Bako, the leader of the special police team.
The Rivers State Police Command has expressed deep regret over this development and emphasized the necessity of bringing the culprits to justice. The command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko, explained in a statement that Bako lost his life in an ambush during an operation against the 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.
“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,” the PPRO added.
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