Cultist ambush claims Rivers State DPO’s life, sparks intense police manhunt
Gunmen suspected to be cultists fatally shot Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Bako Angbanshim of the Ahoada Police Division in Rivers State on Friday evening.
The assailants captured and killed Angbanshim in the Odumude Area of Ahoada East Local Government Area.
The Rivers State Police Command has vowed to relentlessly pursue justice for the late DPO, who had been a formidable adversary to criminals and cultists in both Ogoni and Ahoada areas during his tenure as DPO.
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According to sources, the miscreants ambushed Angbanshim and his team while they were conducting an operation to raid criminal hideouts in Ahoada East.
The cultists were armed with sophisticated weapons and engaged the police in a prolonged shootout until the officers ran out of ammunition.
While the other officers retreated, Angbanshim courageously held his ground. However, as he attempted to flee, he suffered a muscle cramp, allowing the cultists to capture him alive.
A disturbing video circulating on social media showed Angbanshim’s head, hand, and private parts severed with deep machete cuts. The gunmen chanted victory songs as his mutilated remains lay on the floor.
One of the cultists, while beaming torchlight on his face, said in Pidgin English, “DPO, finally na you be dis.
Now, how far? “You (referring to Angbanshim) do challenge Iceland. Who are those men? Iceland, are they dangerous?”
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the DPO’s tragic death and pledged to pursue justice vigorously.
In a press statement, SP Grace Iringo-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
She said, “SP Bako Angbashim, alongside his dedicated team, embarked on a raid of known criminals blackspots in the region.
“The operation led to the 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 and is currently receiving medical care for a gunshot wound.
“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.
“SP Bako Angbashim displayed remarkable courage in his mission to combat criminal activities in Rivers State. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and all those affected by this distressing incident, she added.
