The Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ahoada Division in Rivers State, SP Bako Angbashim, has been killed in a shootout with a cultist group.
The Rivers State Police Command’s spokeswoman, Grace Iringe-Koko, who disclosed this in a statement Saturday, said the police is bent on bringing the assailants to book
Sources say the incident occured late at night on Friday, 8 September, 2023.
It was gathered that SP Angbashim alongside his dedicated team were on their way back from a mission in which they had raided criminal blackspots in the Odumude area of Ahoada LGA, when they were ambushed by a significant number of criminals who opened fire on the brave officers.
In the course of the duel, the police officers ran out of ammunition and made a tactical retreat, while Angbashim held his ground. Regrettably, he sustained fatal injuries and one of his informants was also injured, and is currently receiving medical care for a gunshot wound.
The statement further said that, “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”, CP Nwonyi said, adding, “Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family of SP Bako Angbashim and all those affected by this distressing incident.”
