The killing of the popular bare-footed crime fighter and Divisional Police Officer (DPO), of Ahoada Division, Rivers State, Bako Angbasim, shocked all security formation and residents of the State at the weekend.
Bako, the most outstanding police officer known for his bravery in leading all dangerous operations against cultism and kidnapping, was brutally murdered, decapitated and mutilated by leaders and members of a notorious cult group, Icelanders.
He was reportedly killed on Friday evening while returning from an operation in Odeimude forest, Ahoada East, where he led his team to dislodge a camp operated by cultists and kidnappers in the area.
But it was learnt that Bako would have survived the attack if he had had enough ammunition to ward off the Icelanders led by their point one hit man 2Baba.
It was gathered that Bako and his team were already on their way back from the operation when many of the armed cultists ambushed and started shooting at them.
The enemy camp was said to have fortified their arsenal with four General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) as they engaged Bako and his men in ceaseless shootings for many minutes.
Despite the shootings, it was gathered that bullets could not penetrate the men from both sides but Bako and his team began to retreat after running out of ammunition.
While other police operatives in the team took to their heels, Bako attempted to run away but suffered cramps that hindered his movement.
He was reportedly captured alive by his assailants, who took him away and had enough time to cut off his head, hands and genitals as they celebrated his death.
The heartless men of the underworld were happy that the only police officer, who was a torn in their flesh was out of their way.
A source said: “There was a shootout for several minutes between the DPO and 2Baba-led Iceland. The bullets were not penetrating either of the sides till the policemen ran out of ammunition.
“While the DPO attempted running but he had a muscle cramp and they caught him alive and took him away. For over four hours, no reinforcement came to his rescue”.
Many stakeholders in the state mourned the death of Bako, who was known to stabilised many troubled areas in Rivers State.
Prior to his posting to Ahoada, Bako, who had for a long time remained in the rank of a Superintendent of Police (SP) was said to have fought to a standstill in the Ogoni axis of the state.
“Despite his sacrifices, Bako had remained in one rank for a long time. It seemed they left him that way purposely to remain in the operational field to keep confronting the security challenges in the state.
“If they had promoted him beyond beyond that rank, he would have perhaps been transferred. He was famous for not wearing shoes or boots. Even when he visited the state command, he was always barefooted,”,a source, who spoke in confidence said.
Crime reporters in the state cried over the way and manner Bako, whom they described as a brave officer, paid the supreme price.
A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that Bako and his men ran out of ammunition during the ambush.
The statement said: “In an unfortunate incident on the evening of September 8, 2023, the DPO of Ahoda Division, SP Bako Angbashim, displayed exemplary courage during a mission to combat criminal activities in the Odumude Area of Ahoada East Local Government Area in Rivers State.
“SP Bako Angbashim, alongside his dedicated team, embarked on a raid of known criminal blackspots in the region. The operation led to a pursuit of criminals from their concealed hideouts. Tragically, as they were returning from this operation, they were ambushed by a significant number of criminals who opened fire on the brave officers.
“In the face of this adversity, SP Bako Angbashim valiantly held his ground, while his men, depleted of ammunition, made a tactical retreat. Regrettably, during this engagement, SP Bako Angbashim sustained fatal injuries, and one of his informants was also injured, currently receiving medical care for a gunshot wound.
“The criminals seized the body of SP Bako Angbashim, forcing the remaining officers to return to their base for reinforcement. Efforts were made to rescue and recover the DPO’s body, with assistance sought from the Army teams stationed at FOB Base Etraco. However, the operation proved challenging due to the extremely dark conditions within the dense bush.
“The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Nwonyi Polycarp Emeka, PhD, has expressed deep determination to bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice. An extensive investigation is currently underway to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family of SP Bako Angbashim and all those affected by this distressing incident”.