Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Police Command has recovered and paraded the corpse of a serial kidnapper and wanted killer of SP Bako Angbashim, Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state.
The suspected serial killer Gift Okpara, popularly known as 2BABA, had attacked and killed the SP Angbashim in September 8, 2023, in a thick forest at Odumude community, Ahoada East, during a gun battle.
Following the incident and other threats to lives in the area, 2BABA and his gang were declared wanted by the police. The state government also placed a bounty of N100 million for any information leading to his arrest.
Upon assuming office as the Commissioner of Police for the State in November last year, CP Olatunji Disu conducted an operational tour to the area, where the late DPO was murdered.
The commissioner gave a matching mandate to officers to intensify efforts in apprehending those responsible for the gruesome killing. During the operation, more than 70 suspects linked to SP Angbashim’s murder were arrested and prosecuted.
Relentlessly, the police formed specialised teams, coordinating with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Defence Corps (NSCDC) in joint security meetings. A resolution was reached to smash the gang that has made the Ahoada axis and environs unlivable.
Based on the collaborative efforts of the security agencies, on February 10, 2024, at about 19:30hrs, it was reported that the Air Force executed an aerial assault, causing significant casualties and injuries to 2BABA and his gang.
It was gathered that on February 17, at around 12 noon, 2BABA and his gang attacked Okogbe and Odiokwu communities, destroying pipelines. However, at around 2p.m., intelligence confirmed 2BAbA’s death after he lost consciousness and resuscitation attempts failed.
Addressing journalists yesterday at the command headquarters on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, where 2BABA decomposing corpse was paraded, CP Disu revealed that “On Friday, February 23, 2024, based on credible information, our tactical operatives successfully located the shallow grave of Gift Okpara, also known as 2BABA, a notorious Iceland cult leader in Ebrass, Ahoada West, Rivers State.”
He said, “We were able to recover the corpse of 2BABA, who was responsible for the brutal murder of former DPO Ahoada Division, late SP Bako Angbashim on September 8, 2023, in Odumude community, Ahaoda East Local Government Area.”
The CP however, expressed gratitude to everyone who played a part in the operation, particularly the command tactical teams and the IRT special team.
He appreciated the Nigerian Airforce for their invaluable support. “Their aerial strike on 2BABA’s camp on February 10 resulted in significant casualties among the gang, which facilitated our subsequent operations.”
The Rivers police boss further lauded the state Governor, Siminalayi Fabura, for his unwavering support throughout the operation, saying “His commitment to maintaining law and order in our state is commendable.”
Thanking the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his support and invaluable advice throughout this operation, CP Disu said the “IGP guidance and leadership have been instrumental in our efforts to combat criminality and maintain peace and security in Rivers State.”
He however urged members of the public to continue providing the police with timely and accurate information that can aid in identifying and apprehending criminals. “Together, we can create a safer environment for all.”
Disu assured that they “will continue our operations to apprehend other members of 2BABA’s gang and dismantle any remaining criminal networks.”
