The Nigeria Police, Rivers State Command, on Wednesday, disclosed that it has recovered some body parts of the corpse of Bako Angbashim, former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in-charge of Ahoada Police Division, Ahoada East local government area of the state.
DPO Angbashim was on September 8, 2023, in Odumude community, Ahaoda East local government area, murdered and his body decapitated by 2Baba and his gang members who boldly made and circulated a video of how they carried out the heinous crime.
Since then, security agencies, led by the police, had mounted operations in attempts to apprehend his killers and recover his corpse which was carted away by his murderers.
During this period, the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, also placed a bounty of N100 million on the gang leader, 2baba.
During this period, several of the cult members have been arrested, some killed in shootouts, including 2Baba himself who was neutralised on February 17, 2024. Some police officers also lost their lives in the operations while the remains of Angbashim was never recovered.
But in the statement on Wednesday, the command through its Spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko said; “On Sunday, March 10, 2024, a coordinated joint operation was carried out by tactical squads from the Rivers State Police Command and personnel from the Force Intelligence Bureau.
“This operation targeted the camp of the deceased cult leader, Gift Okpara, famously 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. These tests aim to establish the identity of the remains through a meticulous comparison with samples obtained from the late officer’s relatives.”
The statement added: “Furthermore, ongoing efforts are underway 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 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, 2baba’s body was ultimately recovered from a shallow grave in the Ebrass forest.”
The Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended the joint security team for their unwavering dedication and resolute commitment in the operation.
Disu said: “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.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains steadfast in its mission to uphold peace, security, and justice within the state. Regular updates on the progress of this investigation will be provided as developments unfold.”
(Tribune)
