Gallant Rivers police DPO Bako Angbashim dies in gunfight with cultists

By Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt

A gang of notorious Iceland cult gang led by wanted kingpin 2 Baba have killed a Divisional Police Officer, Bako Angbanshim, in a gun duel in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State .

It was gathered that members of the cult gang laid ambush for the DPO and his team as they were returning from Odumude area of the local government where they raided some criminal hideouts.

The gunmen, on sighting the policemen, had reportedly opened fire on them.
However, the policemen had reportedly fled from the scene when they ran out of ammunition, leaving the DPO behind.

The deceased Angbashim continued the gun battle with the gunmem who later
successfully captured and killed him, with his body dismembered.

There were rumours that “2Baba” and his gang who were allegedly armed with four GPMG rifles and other sophisticated weapons had prior information of the police operation in the area and were prepared to confront the late DPO’s team.

Other sources said the DPO attempted to flee after his men ran away, but he had muscle cramp and fell, thus enabling the cultists to catch him alive,take him away and killed him.

The police have not be able to recover his remains, but a video of the decapitated body of the late police officer has been circulating online.

It was learnt that Angbanshim was deployed from Divisional Police headquarters, Borinin Khana local government area to the Ahoada Division because of his gallantry and experience in fight against dangerous cult gangs.

As such, he has been involved in the battle against cult kingpins and their gangs terrorising the Ahoada East and Ahoada-West local government areas before he was killed last night.

Narrating how the DPO was killed, the police commissioner said, “In an unfortunate incident on the evening of September 8, 2023, the DPO of Ahoda 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. ”

SP Grace Iringe-Koko, Police Public Relations Officer, Rivers Police Command, issued the statement on behalf of the commissioner.

In May this year, cultists killed one person in Abarikpo community in the Ahoada East Local Government Area while five people were killed in Odiereke- Ubie community in Ahoada West.

There have also been reports of kidnapping,raping and missing persons in the axis.