Murder of DPO: Rivers CP Emeka orders crackdown on cult gangs

By Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt

Rivers police commissioner, Nwonyi Polycarp Emeka, on Saturday, led a strong police team to the Ahoada Division of the state command to commiserate with officers and men who were mourning the brutal murder of their boss, Bako Angbashim, by members of Iceland cult gang

While addressing operatives in the division during the visit, the Police Commissioner urged them to rise to the challenge of the murder of the DPO Angbashim by taking the current war of ‘Zero Tolerance to Crime’ in the state to the den of the cult gangs and defeat them.

CP Emeka said the state police command will fully support efforts to deal ruthlessly with the criminals who brutally murdered DPO Angbashim as that will be the biggest honour that can be done to the deceased DPO.

CP Emeka had in an earlier in press statement vowed to fish out the killers of the DPO in a statement issued on his behalf by SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Spokesperson for the Command.

He also explained how the gallant DPO was murdered in the statement.

He said, “In an unfortunate incident on the evening of September 8, 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 criminals’ blackspots in the region. The operation led to the 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”,CP Emeka

Our Correspondent reports that the fallen gallant officer who had won many awards for his onslaught against criminals was redeployed from Bori Division to Ahoada Division a few months ago to confront the rampaging menace of Cult gangs.

Picture captions:

CP Nwonyi Polycarp Emeka, Commissioner of Police,visit to Ahoada Division to charge up Officers and Men there.