Police recover remains of murdered DPO in Rivers State

Six months after the brutal murder of SP. Bako Angbashim, a former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada in Rivers State, some parts of his remains have been recovered by the police. This development was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP. Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement released on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.

The statement highlighted the commitment of the Rivers State Police Command to resolving the tragic murder of SP Bako Angbashim. It detailed a coordinated joint operation carried out on Sunday, March 10, 2024, by tactical squads from the Rivers State Police Command and personnel from the Force Intelligence Bureau. The operation targeted the camp of the deceased cult leader, Gift Okpara, also known as 2Baba, situated within the forested region of Odiemude Community in Ahoada East Local Government Area.

During the operation, diligent search efforts led to the discovery of a burial site within the gang’s shrine, where the remains of the slain Police Officer, SP Bako Angbashim, were located and subsequently exhumed. Notably, the exhumed remains include the skull of the deceased. These recovered remains have been taken to the mortuary, where they will undergo scientific examination and genetic testing to establish their identity through a meticulous comparison with samples obtained from the late officer’s relatives.

The statement also mentioned ongoing efforts to locate and retrieve the remaining dismembered parts of SP Bako Angbashim’s body, suspected to have been buried at various undisclosed locations within the forest. It emphasised the demise of 2Baba, the leader of the gang responsible for the crime, during a planned assault executed by the Rivers State Police Command on February 17, 2024. Despite challenges, the police managed to recover 2Baba’s body from a shallow grave in the Ebrass forest following an intensive seven-day search aided by credible intelligence.

The Police statement read: “It is important to note that 2Baba, the leader of the gang responsible for this heinous crime, met his demise on February 17, 2024, during a planned assault executed by the Rivers State Police Command.

“2Baba died in Ebrass, Ahoada West Local Government Area, but unfortunately, his gang members managed to escape with his body. However, following an intensive seven-day search, aided by credible intelligence, Tubaba’s body was ultimately recovered from a shallow grave in the Ebrass forest.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, on behalf of the Rivers State Police Command, commends the unwavering dedication and resolute commitment demonstrated by all the officers involved in this operation.

“The Command extends its gratitude to the community members for their invaluable support throughout the investigation process. The police will continue to prioritize the safety and security of all citizens, and they remain determined to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.”