Slain Rivers DPO Bako: Gov Fubura places N100 million bounty
… Police arrest suspects
… Kinsmen condemn act
By Faith Awa Maji
Reactions have continued to trail the gruesome killing of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, SP Bako Angbashim, by suspected cultists.
The assailants, after killing the victim, beheaded and removed his private parts, as portrayed in a viral video clip.
Governor names suspects
The Governor in a press statement said that, “yesterday, 8th September 2023, at about 7.00 pm, I was briefed on the security operations around the Odiemudie community in the Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state and the gruesome murder of SP Bako Angbashim, the Ahoada Divisional Police Officer, by a bunch of criminals, presently at large.
“S.P Bako and his team ran into an ambush while returning from their operation where they were attacked by the criminals.
“Unfortunately, he was shot in the ensuing gunfire, captured and eventually murdered by his captors.
“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.
“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.
“Accordingly, upon the review of the entire incident and the security situation in the affected areas with the security agencies, we have decided on the following measures to bring the murderers of SP Bako to justice and arrest the deteriorating security situation in the Ahoada East Local Government Area.
“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.
“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 will 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.
“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.”
Police arrest 6 suspects
Meanwhile, police in the State have arrested six suspects in connection with the killing of DPO, SP Bako.
A press statement by the Rivers State Police Command said that the Commissioner of Police Nwonyi Emeka Polycarp, along with his management team and tactical units, conducted an operation on Saturday, September 9, 2023, in Odumude community, Ahaoda East LGA, Rivers State with the objective to recover the deceased DPO’s body and conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the community.
The statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said that, “during this operation, six suspects were apprehended within the community.
“Among the items seized were a locally crafted pistol and various charms.
“These suspects and the confiscated items are currently under police custody and are undergoing interrogation at the State CID, Port Harcourt.
“As a result of these developments, the community has been evacuated by its residents.
“Furthermore, a new DPO, SP Zuokumor Richard, has been assigned to the division.
“He is accompanied by half a unit of men from Mopol 48, one-third unit from Mopol 19, 56, and tactical teams.
“He has been tasked with a thorough search of the area, apprehension of the culprits responsible for the DPO’s demise, recovery of the body, and location of any operational weapons used.
“This operation will continue while the investigation remains ongoing.”
Kinsmen mourn
Meanwhile, the slain officer’s kinsmen under the auspices of the Eggon Youth Movement, (EYM) Worldwide in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Isaac Kigbu Ali and Secretary, Chief Awayi Kuje respectively said that, “the leadership of Eggon Youth Movement (EYM), Worldwide, a socio-cultural organization, has recieved with great shock the brutal killing of one of their own, Superintendent of Police, Bako Angbashim, the Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State by suspected cultists in the State.
“The gruesome murdered of the galant DPO while doing his best in restoring peace to Ahoada LGA and its environs in Rivers State was uncalled for and unfortunate.
“It is on record that late SP Bako Angbashim recieved several awards for restoring peace in Bori, Rivers State and other parts of the state while he was the DPO of the area by sending criminals away from the local government and its environs.
“We the entire Eggon youths condemn in its totality the gruesome killing of SP Bako Angbashim, one of Eggon stakeholders and we urge the state, Federal Government and the Inspector-General of Police to bring the perpetrators of the devilish act to book to serve as deterrent to others.
“We also call on the Federal Government to declare free education for the family of the deceased and take up the responsibility of their up keep.
“As a responsible Eggon socio-cultural organization, we demand quick justice from all stakeholders,” the statement said.
