Cultists Behead Police DPO In Rivers
Report has it that gunmen suspected to be cultists, on Friday, killed and beheaded a District Police Officer, Bako Angbashim, in Ahoada area of Rivers State.
The incident happened on Friday night at Odumude Community in Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state.
It was gathered that Bako, a respected police personnel, was known for his efforts in the fight against cultism, kidnapping and killing.
According to the report, the police DPO, had served at Bori Police Divisional Headquarters in Khana LGA, and had helped to restore sanity in the area, and was deployed to Ahoada communities being terrorized by devil-minded cultists, in an effort to help check cult activities in the area
Ahoada communities including Odumude, Odumereni, Odemusoma and Ihugbogo, Odieke and others have been at the mercy of cultists, which made the police to take one of its best, Bako, to the area.
A source who pleaded anonymity, disclosed that the cultists operating in the area had warned residents not to report any criminal incident to security agencies.
It was learned that Bako upon resumption of duty had mounted pressure on the cultists, sacking them from their camps, while some of the cult leaders out of pressure willfully surrendered their arms.
However, on Friday, the cultists re-mobilized in the forest with the aid of a spiritualist and killed the leader of the special team, Bako.
Reacting to the development, Rivers State Police Command described it as unfortunate, adding that the culprits must be dealt with.
The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the incident in a statement narrated that Bako was killed in the forest in an ambush during an onslaught against 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.
She condoled with the family of Bako and the police force on the loss, stating that all efforts are on to track down the killers.
“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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