How Gallant DPO Was Captured, Mu-rdered In Rivers State | READ DETAILS
Armed men suspected to be cultists on Friday, captured and murdere-d a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), SP Bako Angbanshin, in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to sources, Angbanshin and other police operatives where on a raid operation at some criminal hideouts in the area. On sighting them, the suspected cultists known as Iceland, were said to have opened fire on the policemen.
The policemen reportedly fled when they exhausted their ammunition except Angbanshin who stood his ground, however when he finally decided to flee, he had a muscle cramp and fell to the ground.
The said cultists led by one ‘2Baba’, took the DPO away.
However, a viral video which surfaced on Friday night showed Angbanshin’s head, hand and private p@rt separated with several deep machete cuts.
In the video, the gunmen chanted victory songs while the remains of the DPO laid on the ground.
One the cultist while beaming torchlight on Angbanshin’s face, said in Pidgin English;
“DPO, finally na you be dis. Now, how far? “You dey challenge Iceland. Who are those men? Iceland, are they dangerous?”.
Speaking on the incident, the state Commissioner for Police, Emeka Nwonyi, in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, on Saturday morning, 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 black spots 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”.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family of SP Bako Angbashim and all those affected by this distressing incident”.
