Suspected cultists have killed and beheaded a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), SP Bako Angbashim, in the Ahoada area of Rivers State

Angbashim was known for his efforts in the fight against cultism, kidnapping, and killing in Rivers State.

It was gathered that the cultists, in the area where was Angbashim was killed, had warned residents not to report any criminal incident in the area to security agencies or the DPO.

It was learned that Bako upon resumption of duty as DPO had mounted pressure on the cultists, sacking them from their camps, while some of the cult leaders out of pressure willfully surrendered their arms.

But, on Friday, the cultists in the area were said to have re-mobilised back to the forest with the aid of a spiritualist and killed the leader of the special team, Angbashim.

Confirming the incident, the Rivers State Police Command described the DPO’s killing as unfortunate, adding that the culprits would be arrested

The spokesperson of the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the DPO was killed in the forest in an ambush during an onslaught against cultists in Ahoada.

READ ALSO: Police officers face trial for extorting Rivers resident N620,000

Iringe-Koko said: “In an unfortunate incident on 8th of September,2023, the DPO of Ahoada 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 blackspots 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 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.”

She condoled with the family of the DPO and the police force on the loss, stating that all efforts were ongoing to arrest the cultists involved in the incident.

The Star