Port Harcourt, Rivers State – The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Emeka Nwonyi, has revealed shocking details about the tragic demise of the late Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada, Bako Angbashim. According to Nwonyi, Angbashim fell victim to the cunning tactics of cultists who had duped him with false promises of surrendering their arms in exchange for amnesty.
Nwonyi disclosed this during a recent solidarity protest led by human rights advocate Charles Jaja at the state Police Command headquarters in Port Harcourt. The Commissioner of Police expressed deep regret over Angbashim’s misplaced trust in these miscreants, only for him to realize their deceit through his untimely death.
In a stern message to the cultists responsible, Nwonyi declared, “What pains me most was the idea of him (Angbashim) believing like he kept saying that these people said they were ready to surrender their guns and come out for amnesty. And he played to the gallery, only to know in death that these people were rather crafty in their operation and lured him for an onslaught.”
Highlighting the importance of peace in Rivers State, Nwonyi emphasized that the cultists’ actions had provoked the law enforcement authorities. He declared, “If you will not take it, was the option of killing this man the best? He has a family, he has children, and he has a wife. No! You have touched the lion’s tail. Those men must be caught to face the wrath of the law. We will be unrepentant until we put crime and criminality to its barest minimum in Rivers State.”
The CP stressed that the sacrifice of brave police officers like Angbashim, who left their families to protect lives and property, should not end in tragedy. He called on patriotic citizens to take advantage of the N100 million bounty placed on the prime suspect, Gift Okpara Okpolowu, and his associates, urging them to become whistleblowers and help bring these criminals to justice.
Charles Jaja, the human rights advocate leading the solidarity protest, described Angbashim’s death as a tragic incident that deeply affected the community. He also raised concerns about politicians allegedly sponsoring criminal gangs and called for their identification and prosecution.
The horrifying incident that led to Angbashim’s death occurred when daring cultists ambushed him and his men during a raid on criminal hideouts in Odiemudie community, Ahoada East Local Government Area. Despite hours of gunfire exchange, Angbashim’s brave stance eventually led to his capture. Tragically, the cultists mutilated his remains, further emphasizing the urgent need to combat such barbaric acts in the 21st century.
