Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubari has charged security agencies in the state to smoke out the killers of late SP Bako Angbashim , the Ahoada Divisional Police Officer, DPO, who was brutality murdered by some criminals at Ahoada two days ago
He specifically tasked the security agencies to get the prime suspect (Gift Okpara Okpolowu) at all cost as a clear statement that the state is not a safe haven for criminals.
Briefing the Press shortly after an Emergency Security Council Meeting in Government House, Port Harcourt yesterday the Governor, who described the incident as unfortunate and barbaric, sympathised with the Nigerian Police and the family of the slain officer, and vowed to make Rivers State unsafe for criminal activities.
Sir Fubara, who expressed confidence in the security agencies to apprehend the culprits, said a bounty has been placed on them, while pointing out that Rivers State has never been a safe haven for criminals”
Governor Fubara said “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 in this issue by placing a bounty on the criminals and also suspended 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 cost. Rivers state has never and will not be a home of criminality. I believe that the caliber of men that are heading the security unit of the state will do everything within their powers to settle these matters.”
Those who attended the Emergency Security Meeting include, Brig. Gen. E. U. Effiong, 6 Division Garrison Commander Nigerian Army; Group Captain A. H. Idris, Commander 115, Special Operation Group; Commodore D.O.C. Igbo, Commander NNS, Pathfinder; CP Polycap Emeka Nwonyi, Rivers State Commissioner of Police; the Director of the Department of State Services, Rivers State Command and Commandant Basil Igwebueze, NSCDC Commandant, Rivers State Command.
Meanwhile, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has condemned the gruesome murder of SP Bako Angbashim, who was, at the time of his passing away the Divisional Police Officer, Ahoada Division in Rivers State.
The acting Inspector made this condemnation in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The statement said the slain DPO was humiliated, gruesomely murdered, and mutilated by some hardened armed criminals in Ahoada area of Rivers State on Friday, 8th September, 2023, while on operation in the area.
The IGP, therefore, ordered immediate investigation, arrest, and prosecution of all the culprits that carried out the heinous and barbaric act; adding that such an act is not only an affront on our national status but also a reflection of a lack of patriotism and gross illegality.
The IGP, while emphasizing unequivocally that such nefarious acts against any operative in Nigeria, would not be taken with levity as all the perpetrators will be caused to face the full wrath of the law.
He extended his deepest condolences to the grieving family, dedicated colleagues and friends of the deceased Police officer, urging them to embody his dedication, humility, and selflessness.
Also, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Nwonyi Emeka, described the murder as very unfortunate, stressing that the late DPO 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”, he said.
He stressed thar the criminals seized the body of SP Bako Angbashim, forcing the remaining officers to return to their base for reinforcement.
He further stated that 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 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”, the CP stated.
Meanwhile, the people of Ekpeye Ethnic Nationality under the aegis of Uzugbani Ekpeye, the Apex Socio Cultural Organisation in Ekpeye land have condemned in its entirety the gruesome murder of SP Angbashim.
In a statement signed by its president General, Dr Ukechukwu Nyemenim, and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ogboka Chris Umeda, the organisation described the news of the gruesome murder of the gallant police officer as more terrifying when it was gathered that the combatant police officer died in line of official duty.
“The National Executive Council of Uzugbani Ekpeye had in it’s quest to solve the growing insecurity in Ekpeye land, rallied support for the deployment of SP Bako from Bori to Ahoada Police Division which yielded fruits as the once deserted Ahoada town after 8pm came back alive following the successes recorded as a result of SP Bako’s resumption to duty at Ahoada Police Division.
“Uzugbani Ekpeye is however, shocked and amazed at the inhumane treatment and dismemberment given to the body of the selfless senior police officer who brought out his all to bring lasting peace to Ekpeye land noting that Ekpeye is now tagged a land soiled with human blood where crime thrive unchallenged.
“Uzugbani Ekpeye will however, shock nay sayers as it will do everything humanly possible to collaborate with government and security agencies in bringing the culprits to book as Ekpeye land cannot be a den of armed robbers and there shall be no peace for those that caused Ekpeye this pain.
“Ekpeye People condole with the immediate family, the Nigerian Police Force, Rivers State Government and the Federal Government over this unfortunate incident while also praying for the repose of the departed soul.
“Uzugbani Ekpeye, Ekpeye People’s General Assembly is therefore, calling on residents and people of Ekpeye to remain calm and give useful information that could lead to possible arrest of the killers” the statement added.