On Friday evening, gunmen suspected of being cultists assassinated Bako Angbanshim of the Ahoada Police Division in Rivers State.
The gunmen were claimed to have kidnapped and killed Amgbanshin in the state’s Odumude Area of Ahoada East Local Government Area.
This comes as the Rivers State command of the Nigeria Police has pledged not to rest till justice is delivered for the late DPO, who was a terror to criminals and cultists for whom he made life tough in both Ogoni and Ahoada regions where he served as DPO.
According to the Nigerian Tribune, the miscreants ambushed him when he was on his way to search some criminal hideouts in Ahoada East with other police officials.
According to a source who did not want to be identified for security concerns, the cultists were armed with four sophisticated weapons and started fire on the operatives upon noticing them.
“There was a shootout for several minutes between the DPO-led men and the 2Baba-led Iceland,” he added, “until the operatives ran out of bullets and ammunition.”
According to the account, as the other cops fled, Angbanshim remained.
It was also learned that when DPO Angbanshim was fleeing, he suffered a muscle cramp, and the cultists captured him alive and carried him away.
On Friday night, a viral video went viral on social media, showing Angbanshin’s head, hand, and private parts being severed with many deep machete cuts.
The shooters screamed victory songs in the video as his bruised and decapitated body littered the floor.
“DPO, finally na you be dis,” one of the cultists exclaimed in Pidgin English, holding a torchlight to his face.
How far can we go now? “You (Angbanshim) are challenging Iceland.” Who are those gentlemen? “Are Icelanders dangerous?”
The Rivers State Police Command verified the DPO’s death and stated that it would not rest until justice was done for the dead DPO.
SP Grace Iringo-Koko, the command’s spokesman, described the occurrence as regrettable in a press statement issued Saturday morning.
“SP Bako Angbashim, along with his dedicated team, embarked on a raid of known criminal blackspots in the region,” she stated.
The operation resulted in the capture of criminals from their hidden hideouts. Unfortunately, while they were returning from this mission, they were ambushed by a large group of criminals who started fire on the brave officers.
“In the face of adversity, SP Bako Angbashim stood firm while his men, out of ammunition, made a tactical retreat.”
Unfortunately, SP Bako Angbashim was killed during this engagement, and one of his informants was also injured and is currently undergoing medical treatment for a bullet wound.
“Criminals kidnapped SP Bako Angbashim’s body, forcing the remaining officers to return to their base for reinforcement.”
Attempts were made to rescue and recover the DPO’s body, with help from Army personnel stationed at FOB Base Etraco.
The procedure, however, proved difficult due to the exceedingly dark conditions within the dense bush.
“The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Nwonyi Polycarp Emeka, PhD, has stated his firm determination to bring those responsible for this heinous act to justice.”
An detailed examination into the circumstances behind this unfortunate tragedy is presently underway.
“Our hearts go out to the family of SP Bako Angbashim and all those affected by this tragic incident.”
DPO Angbashim, she said, exhibited remarkable courage during his duty to battle criminal activities in Rivers State.
