Bringing Angbashim’s Killers To Justice

Criminality reached an unprecedented level when a group of deadly cultists in Ahoada East Local Government Area committed a gruesome murder. On the fateful day of Friday, 8th September, 2023, Superintendent of Police Bako Angbashim, the Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada Division in Rivers State, fell victim to their brutality. Shockingly, the hardened criminals did not stop at taking his life; they mutilated his body most horrifically. Engaging in a grotesque display of self-adulation, the killers danced and rejoiced, further exacerbating the atrocity committed. This act is not only heart-wrenching but also an assault on our shared humanity.
Angbashim’s killing has caused a wave of panic and garnered condemnation throughout the state. The perpetrators, believed to be members of the Iceland cult, meticulously planned an ambush targeting the late DPO and his team during an operation to raid criminal hideouts in the area. Reports suggest that the cultists were armed with four highly advanced weapons and immediately opened fire upon spotting the police officers. While the other members of the team retreated and fled, Angbashim valiantly stood his ground and fought until his last breath.
Reacting, the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, denounced the incident and called upon the security agencies in the state to apprehend the perpetrators. Specifically, he has tasked them with capturing the prime suspect, Gift Okpara Okpolowu, to send a clear message that the state would not tolerate criminal activities. Speaking at a press briefing held after an emergency Security Council meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt on September 10, 2023, Fubara sympathised with the Nigerian Police and the family of the deceased officer.
In an audacious display of determination to eradicate criminal activities, the governor has taken decisive action by offering a substantial bounty of N100 million for any valuable information leading to the arrest of the main suspect. “It is really unfortunate that in our state where we are doing everything to reduce crime rate, a group of miscreants portray the state as being unsafe. We honestly feel very sad over this incident. As a government, we will not rest until whoever is responsible for this act is brought to book.
“We have gone further to show our commitment to this issue by placing a bounty on the criminals and also suspending the traditional ruler of that locality. We will do everything on our part to ensure we get to the end of this matter; we must get him at all costs. Rivers State has never and will not be a home of criminality. I believe that the calibre of men that are heading the security unit of the state will do everything within their powers to settle these matters,” Fubara said.
The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has strongly condemned the murder of Angbashim and has taken swift action by ordering the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for this heinous act. Egbetokun described the event as not only an affront to our national status but also a clear reflection of a lack of patriotism and a gross violation of the law. Similarly, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Nwonyi Polycarp Emeka, says he is determined to bring the perpetrators to justice. He assured that an investigation into the tragic event was on.
We extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the family of SP Angbashim and all those affected by the distressing incident. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time. We stand in solidarity with the governor, Police High Command, and Nigerians in vehemently condemning this barbaric act. The police should act swiftly to apprehend those responsible for the crime. They should ensure that justice was served in this case, providing solace to the grieving family and demonstrating that such acts will not be tolerated.
Security agencies should perceive the actions of these troublemakers as a call to action. We commend the police for their swift response in arresting six suspects within a short time, although we are aware that the mastermind, Okpolowu, and his accomplices may still be at large. We acknowledge that security agencies possess the capability to swiftly eradicate criminal elements from society, provided they approach the battle against criminality with utmost seriousness.
Criminals coexist with residents and natives within villages and communities, and their identities are commonly known by all, including traditional rulers, opinion leaders, youth, and women leaders. Consequently, protecting and enabling them to escape apprehension and legal consequences is equivalent to endorsing the criminalisation and militarisation of these communities. Such actions undermine the principles of justice and security, posing a threat to the overall well-being and stability of the affected areas.
The Tide supports the governor’s decision to suspend Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi as Eze Igbu Akoh II. This action sends a strong message that no one, regardless of their position or title, is above the law. Traditional rulers in all communities, especially those plagued by criminal activities such as cultism, kidnapping, and armed robbery, should step up and provide reliable information to the security agencies. This collaborative effort can assist in curbing the menace of criminal elements in the state.
The Rivers Zero Crime Campaign initiative is an effective approach to combatting crime and ensuring the safety and security of the state. However, its success relies heavily on the collaboration between security agencies and stakeholders. Without a peaceful and crime-free environment, sustainable development becomes unattainable, and people cannot sleep with a sense of security. In the past, under the leadership of Governor Nyesom Wike, the establishment of surveillance and tactical centres greatly contributed to the reduction of crime across the state. Governor Fubara should sustain and build upon this model.