In a tragic incident, the Rivers State Police Command has vowed to apprehend and prosecute the assailants responsible for the ambush and killing of Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Bako Angbanshin, in Odumude community, Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state on Friday night.
The police disclosed that Angbanshin had led a team of officers on a mission to raid criminal hideouts in the area. However, on their way back, the team fell victim to an ambush by suspected cultists who opened fire.
The state Commissioner for Police, Emeka Nwonyi, conveyed this information in a statement released by the Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, on Saturday morning and shared with the media.
It was reported by The PUNCH that a video surfaced on Friday night, showing the gruesome scene where the gunmen displayed the mutilated body of the late DPO.
Nwonyi explained that as the criminals attacked the officers, Angbanshin’s team had to retreat due to a shortage of ammunition. Tragically, during the confrontation, the late DPO sustained fatal injuries and was taken away by the gunmen, ultimately leading to his demise.
The statement issued by the police read, “In an unfortunate incident on the evening of September 8, 2023, the DPO of Ahoda Division, SP Bako Angbashim, 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.”
The police revealed that the Nigerian Army was contacted for assistance, but due to the challenging conditions within the dense bush and the darkness of the night, they were unable to make significant progress.
“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 police stated.
While extending condolences to Angbashim’s family, the Commissioner of Police vowed to bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family of SP Bako Angbashim and all those affected by this distressing incident,” the CP stated.