The Rivers State Police Command said it had recovered some body parts of the former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada Division in Rivers State, SP Bako Angbashim who was tragically murdered by a dreaded cultist know as David Okpara, alias 2baba and his gang.
The state police hierarchy said the recovered remains had since been taken to the mortuary, where a scientific examination and genetic testing would be conducted to establish the identity of the remains using a meticulous comparison with samples obtained from the late officer’s relatives.
Recall that late SP Angbashim was ambushed, murdered and dismembered by his assailants while conducting a raid on some criminal hideouts in Odiemude forest, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State on September 9, 2023.
Public Relations Officer for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko in a statement on Wednesday, said the DPO’s remains was exhumed on Sunday, March 10, following a coordinated joint operation, carried out by tactical squads from the Rivers State Police Command and personnel from the Force Intelligence Bureau.
Iringe-Koko stated that the body part was found near the camp of the prime suspected killer of the DPO, adding that the police had also intensified efforts to recover other missing body parts buried at different locations.
Iringe-Koko said, “The Rivers State Police Command is pleased to announce significant advancements in the investigation into the tragic murder of SP Bako Angbashim, a former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada Division in Rivers State. The command’s unwavering commitment to resolving this heinous crime and ensuring justice has yielded fruitful results.
“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.
“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.
Iringe-Koko in the statement quoted the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu as assuring that the Police would stop at nothing in trailing and rounding up the fleeing gang members of the killed kingpin 2baba.
“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, Tubaba’s body was ultimately recovered from a shallow grave in the Ebrass forest.
“The Commissioner of Police, Cp Olatunji Disu, on behalf of the Rivers State Police Command, commends the unwavering dedication and resolute commitment demonstrated by all the officers involved in this operation.
“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, She added.
