By Chukwumaechi Godwin
The Rivers State Police command has confirmed the killing of David Gift Okpara (alias 2Baba), the dreaded leader of the gang suspected to have murdered and decapitated SP Bako Angbashim, Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada Division, on September 8, 2023, in Odiemude Community, Ahoada-West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
A press release by the spokesperson of the command, Grace Iringe-Koko gave detailed account of how 2Baba was eventually gunned down after evading the long arms of the law for several months running.
According to the release, on February 17, 2024, at around 12:00hrs, 2Baba and his gang attacked Okogbe town and Odiokwu community, destroying pipelines.
“At 04:00hrs, operatives raided 2Baba’s new camp. Despite a fierce gun battle, 2Baba and his gang members escaped. However, at around 14:00hrs, intelligence confirmed 2Baba’s death after he lost consciousness and resuscitation attempts failed.
“Efforts are in progress to retrieve the body of the infamous killer, while investigations into the Iceland cult’s activities in the region continue.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains resolute in its duty to protect the lives and property of the citizens, and it will continue to employ all necessary resources and strategies to ensure a safe and secure environment for all”.
The killing of the blood thirsty kingpin of Icelanders was the culmination of efforts put in place by the state Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu on assumption of duty on November 15, 2023
CP Disu conducted an operational tour to Ahoada local government, where the late DPO was murdered during which he urged officers to intensify efforts in apprehending those responsible for the gruesome killing.
Disu paid respects to the five indigenes: Charles Osu, Ogbobula Eja, Idaowukwa Felix, Paul Victor, and Achinivu Saturday, who were killed by 2Baba and his gang on suspicion of collaboration with the police to arrest them.
During the investigation, more than 70 suspects linked to Angbashim’s murder were arrested and prosecuted. But 2Baba and his gang managed to escape arrest by withdrawing into the forest.
The police later formed specialised teams, coordinating with the army, navy, air force, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in joint security operations.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, a resolution was reached, declaring that an attack on one agency was an affront to all, reinforcing their united pursuit of justice against the perpetrators.
Iringe-Koko said based on the security unity, “On February 10, 2024, the command shared essential information with the Air Force. Around 19:30hrs on the scheduled day, the Air Force executed an aerial assault, causing significant casualties and injuries to 2Baba and his gang.
Some of the items recovered from the camp of the suspects, according to the police spokesperson, included one AK47 rifle, one G3 rifle, one scorpion rifle, one double barrel locally made gun, two locally made pistols, one cut-to-size double barrel gun and one bullet proof vest.
Others were 13 pieces of dynamites, five rounds of 9mm live ammunition, army camouflage, assorted charms, one human skull and one jack knife.
