Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Police Command has announced that it has recovered the remains of late SP. Bako Angbashim, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada East Local Government Area, who was gruesomely murdered by cultists in the area.
THISDAY recalled that SP. Angbashim was killed by a group of notorious criminal gang led by one Mr. Gift Okpara (popularly known as 2Baba) on September 8, 2013, in Odiemude community in Ahoada East.
Based on the commitment of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP. Olatunji Disu and his team, 2Baba, who was declared wanted by the state government after the heinous crime, was killed on February 17, 2024.
Speaking on the development, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP. Grace Iringe-Koko, announced that the command during investigation, tracked the shallow grave where some body parts of the DPO was buried.
According to Iringe-Koko, “on Sunday, March 10, 2024, a coordinated joint operation was carried out by tactical squads from the Rivers State Police Command and personnel from the Force Intelligence Bureau.
“This operation targeted the camp of the deceased cult leader, Gift Okpara, famously known as 2Baba, situated within the forested region of Odiemude Community in Ahoada East LGA.
“During the operation, diligent search efforts led to the discovery of a burial site within the gang’s shrine, where the remains of the slain police officer, SP. Bako Angbashim, were located and subsequently exhumed.
“Notably, the exhumed remains include the skull of the deceased. These recovered remains have been taken to the mortuary, where they will undergo scientific examination and genetic testing.
“These tests aim to establish the identity of the remains through a meticulous comparison with samples obtained from the late officer’s relatives.”
She stressed that efforts are underway to locate and retrieve the remaining dismembered parts of SP Angbashim’s body, suspected to have been buried at various undisclosed locations within the forest.
Meanwhile, the commissioner of police has commended the unwavering dedication and resolute commitment demonstrated by all the officers involved in this operation.
He said: “The police will continue to prioritise the safety and security of all citizens, and they remain determined to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains steadfast in its mission to uphold peace, security, and justice within the state. Regular updates on the progress of this investigation will be provided as developments unfold.”
