The Rivers State Police Command has recovered the body of the former Divisional Police Officer, SP Bako Angbashim, who was killed by the late cult leader, Gift Okpara, popularly known as 2Baba, in Odiemude community, Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state.
The Command, in a statement on Tuesday by its Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko said the operation involved tactical squads from the Rivers State Police Command and personnel from the Force Intelligence Bureau on March 10, 2024.
The statement said the operation targeted the camp of 2Baba within the forest region of Odiemude community, where the command discovered a burial site within the gang’s shrine, where the remains of the slain, SP Angbashim, were located and subsequently exhumed.
Iringe-Koko stated that the skull of the late DPO was exhumed and has been taken to the mortuary for scientific examination, assuring ongoing efforts are underway to locate and retrieve the remaining dismembered parts of SP Angbashim’s body, suspected to have been buried at various undisclosed locations within the forest.
The statement read, “The Rivers State Police Command is pleased to announce significant advancements in the investigation into the tragic murder of SP, 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.
2Baba, the leader of the gang allegedly responsible for the murder of SP Angbashim, met his demise on February 17, 2024, during a planned assault executed by the Rivers State Police Command.
He died in Ebrass, Ahoada West LGA, but his gang members fled with his body, which was later recovered by the police following an intensive seven-day search, aided by credible intelligence, in a shallow grave in the Ebrass forest.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Olatunji Disu, commended the unwavering dedication and resolute commitment demonstrated by all the officers involved in the operation, and the community members for “their invaluable support throughout the investigation process.”
The police assured the people that it will continue to prioritize the safety and security of all citizens.
