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By Mandy Tina
The Rivers State Police Command has exhumed the remains of late Divisional Police officer of Ahoada East Local Government Area, SP Bako Angbashim.
This followed “a coordinated joint operation carried out by tactical squads from the command and personnel from the Force Intelligence Bureau” on Sunday March 10, 2024.
A statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe Koko, on Wednesday 13 March, 2024, stated that the operation targeted the camp of the late cult leader, Gift Okpara, popularly known as 2Baba, situated within the forested region of Odiemude Community in Ahoada East Local Government Area.
According to her, the diligent search efforts led to discovery of the burial site within the gang’s shrine, where the remains of the murdered Police officer, SP Bako Angbashim, were located and subsequently exhumed. Notably, the exhumed remains include the skull of the deceased.
SP Koko disclosed that the recovered remains have been taken to the mortuary, where they will undergo scientific examination and genetic testing.
She revealed that the tests aim to establish the identity of the remains through a meticulous comparison with samples obtained from the late officer’s relatives.
The command spokesperson explained that 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, who was the leader of the gang responsible for the murder of SP Bako, met his death on February 17, 2024, during a planned operation at Ebrass, Ahoada West Local Government Area. Unfortunately, his gang members managed to escape with his body, she said.
Following an intensive seven-day search, aided by credible intelligence, 2Baba’s body was recovered from a shallow grave in the Ebrass forest.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, on behalf of the Rivers State Police Command, has commended the “unwavering dedication and resolute commitment demonstrated by all the officers involved in the operation.”
He extended his gratitude to the community members for their invaluable support throughout the investigation process.
CP Disu noted that the command will continue to prioritize the safety and security of all citizens, while stressing that they remain determined to apprehend the remaining members of the gang .
He said further that the command will continue to uphold peace, security, and justice within the state and regularly update on the progress of the investigation as developments unfolds.
