Rivers Police Confirms Killing of 2Baba in Murder of DPO

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State Police Command has revealed that it had smashed David Gift Okpara alias 2Baba, leader of the gang that killed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada West, late SP Bako Angbashim, and dismembered his body.

Angbashim was killed on September 8, 2023, in Odiemude community, by a dreaded cult group allegedly led by 2Baba.

Following the incident, the law enforcement agencies, including the police, military, and relevant stakeholders, jointly expressed their commitment to apprehending the culprits and ensuring justice was served in the killing of the DPO.

Although there were mixed reactions to what triggered the killing of the vibrant police officer, who had ensured the security of Ogoniland, it was rumoured in some quarters that it was politically motivated, others believed he was betrayed by his colleagues, especially following the circumstances that led to his death.

But upon assuming office as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State last November, Mr Olatunji Disu conducted an operational tour of Ahoada, where he urged officers to intensify efforts to apprehend 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.

“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.”

In a statement released to journalists in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Iringe-Koko said, “Efforts are in progress to retrieve the body of the infamous killer, while investigations into the Iceland cult’s activities in the region continue.”

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.

Meanwhile, the state police command said it remained resolute in its duty to protect the lives and property of the citizens, assuring to continue to employ all necessary resources and strategies to ensure a safe and secure environment for all residents of the state.