Gunmen suspected to be cultists, on Friday night, killed a Divisional Police Officer(DPO), identified as Bako Angbashim, in Ahoada East Local Government Area’s Odumude Area, River State.
The assailants were said to have ambushed the DPO and his men while on an operation to raid some criminal hideouts in the Ahoada East axis.
Truthlive news gathered that the operatives had engaged the miscreants in a gun duel before the DPO was captured, killed and his body dismembered.
A viral video that surfaced on social media on Friday night showed Angbanshin’s head, hand, and private parts separated with several deep machete cuts.
In the video, the gunmen chanted victory songs while his battered and decapitated remains littered 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?”
Meanwhile, reacting to the incident, the Rivers State Police Command spokeperson, SP Grace Iringo-Koko, in a press statement on Saturday morning, describing the incident as unfortunate, said it would not rest until justice is served for the slain DPO.
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.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family of SP Bako Angbashim and all those affected by this distressing incident.”